Exeter, NH (February 24, 2006)—From Tuesday, February 21 to Wednesday, March 8, the Lamont Gallery at Phillips Exeter Academy will present “Natural Wonders: The Art of the Women of Pance,” an exhibit of artwork by native Colombian women. “Natural Wonders” is on display adjacent to the ongoing exhibit “Eastern Views: Woodcuts and Monotypes by Keiji Shinohara.” The Lamont Gallery is located in the Frederick R. Mayer Art Center on Tan Lane.  This exhibit is free and open to the public.

“Natural Wonders” reflects the culture of Colombia through the eyes of non-traditionally trained artists. Their elaborate artwork uses a collage technique that incorporates natural, indigenous materials from the region. Artworks representing the country’s folklore and traditions such as salsa dancers, bullfighters and flower girls, as well as the reproductions of recognized artists such as Picasso, will be on display.

This exhibition represents the talents of the female artists of the Flore Ser (Blossom) Project,a pilot program of the Ecos Foundation which promotes the personal, social and artistic growth of a group of women in the town of Pance. The Foundation strives to promote the development of rural and urban communities through alternative methods that contribute to the socioeconomic and cultural strengthening of the community. With few legitimate employment options in their own country, women in the area of Pance have worked with the Foundation to organize family workshops and create their unique works of art.

Initially guided by professionals from the Foundation, these women have developed a technique to design and create products such as cards for special occasions, as well as larger works by using recycled vegetable and other organic materials such as onion and garlic skin, cornhusk, fruit seeds, dried flowers and shells.

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The exhibit has been timed to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8, an occasion to both celebrate the accomplishments and to note the challenges of women around the world. All works included in the “Natural Wonders” exhibit are available for purchase. The funds will benefit the women of Pance and will aid in the expansion of the Ecos Foundation’s work in the region.

Gallery hours are Mondays 1-5 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed on Sundays. For further information, contact the Lamont Gallery at (603) 777-3461. For directions to Phillips Exeter Academy, call (603) 777-4330. A complete list of upcoming events is available on the Phillips Exeter Academy public events line at (603) 777-4309 and on our website.

Phillips Exeter Academy is a coeducational, independent preparatory school that was founded in 1781 and originated the system of instruction known as Harkness teaching in 1931. In the spirit of its charter to foster both goodness and knowledge, students come from a wide variety of geographic, economic, racial and religious backgrounds. The diverse student body comes from approximately 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 25 foreign countries.