Messages from the Past – Ancient Rock Art of The American West: Photography by Dale O’Dell and New Work by The Granite Mountain Jewelry Artists

Messages from the Past – Ancient Rock Art of The American West: Photography by Dale O’Dell and New Work by The Granite Mountain Jewelry Artists Coming to Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery June 2022 PRESCOTT, ARIZONA, May 10, 2022 — In a unique exhibition combining rock art and jewelry, Yavapai College Prescott Art Gallery will delve into some of the oldest forms of human artistic expression. For thousands of years and countless generations, humans have created and used rock art (petroglyphs and pictographs) and jewelry to tell stories, record events, and express identity. In late June and July, the YC Gallery will exhibit work by local artists following in these grand and ancient traditions. Photographer Dale O’Dell has documented many rock art sites throughout the American Southwest. He uses digital technology to record and restore damaged images, and to collaborate with unknown shaman-artists, interpreting and transforming their rock art for a new age through his mysterious and evocative photographs. “Rock art has been here for centuries and will continue to exist long after we are gone,” O’Dell says. “I use photography as a tool to document, preserve, and raise awareness about our ancient artistic heritage.” At the same time, members of the Granite Mountain Jewelry Artists (GMJA), local makers working in metal, stone, clay, glass, enamel, and found objects, will display their original work. A highly accomplished group of artists, members of GMJA have shown their jewelry, mixed-media pieces, and wearable art around the country, and have taught at prestigious schools and appeared in national publications. The exhibition will run from June 24 to Aug 5, 2022. An opening reception will be held at the gallery in conjunction with the 4th Friday Art Walk on June 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Dale O’Dell will give an artist’s talk on Wed, June 29th at 5pm, in the gallery Granite Mountain Jewelry Artists will give a talk on Wed, July 6, 11am, in the gallery All events are free and open to the public.