“Wax Foundations: Encaustic in the Southeast” documents the development of the medium in the spirit of its history. As the first such exhibition at Meredith College, and the first in the region, it creates an opportunity to question the ballooning popularity of the medium while examining the expertise and vision it takes to create stunning works of wax and pigment.

The regional exhibition shares paintings from artists whose work ranges from representational to abstracted. Encaustic, the art of using melted wax mixed with pigments to create paint, is an art form with a two-thousand year history. The paintings, whose themes run from textural studies to discussions of layering and depth, will be on view. Several educational programs are planned, including a plant & bee walk & talk, dance/art collaboration, curator talk and tour, and an artist workshop. For specific dates and times, check the Gallery website.

The exhibition explores the relationships made between wax and pigments, layers and substrates. It seeks to foster discussions of the medium itself, the nature of originality, texture, and depth. Through their work, the artists have pushed the medium to new heights. Work ranges from tactile and heavily applied to sheer and smooth. The works quietly reference the heritage of wax painting while echoing each artist’s own words; each piece speaks individually, while the show as a whole makes its own statement.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday, 2 – 5 p.m. The Gaddy-Hamrick Art Center is located on the western edge of the Meredith College campus, across from the Weatherspoon Gym.