‘Wild Women’ take over River Gallery

This year’s Wild Women art show at River Gallery features work from artists throughout the region. Pictured, left to right: “The Inside Story” by Pam Serra-Wenz, and “Cat Lady” by Eric Wuest. River Gallery is in downtown Independence. Photo by Lance Masterson.

A River Gallery tradition is back in downtown Independence.

The ‘Wild Women - Celebrating Women’ art show runs through July 30. This marks the show’s 20th year. Not a run bad considering its rather humble beginnings.

“I think they wanted to do a show, and they were sitting around chatting and decided it would be a fun show to do,” said Pam Serra-Wenz, abstract painter and gallery partner, on Wild Women’s genesis. “From there, it just took off. Right before COVID, in 2020, we had like 150 people in here, or more. It was packed.”

The show is open to all artists, regardless of gender, but each piece “must celebrate the creative spirit of women,” said Chris Hannegan, portrait painter and partner. “A lot of people have wives, daughters, sisters, cousins. It’s kind of a culmination of all the people in an artist’s life that are female, and the roles they play. If they’re an artist, they’re going to take that and put it into their art piece.”

Themes change each year and are intended to provide artists with an imaginative spark from which to create.

“We’ve had all kinds of different (themes) in the past. People will just focus on that and then that will become a part of what they’re doing for whatever art piece they bring in,” Serra-Wenz said.

Artists often begin planning their piece as soon as the theme for the next Wild Women show is announced.

Given that entries were not juried this year, the show is open to a larger pool of artists.

“It’s always been a very eclectic show. But this year’s show will be especially eclectic because we’re not jurying it,” Hannegan added. “We’ve never tried this before. That’s part of the beauty of it.”

There’s something to be said about change.

“We’ve had juried shows in the past, but (this year) we’re streamlining it. One piece from each artist only,” Serra-Wenz said. “It’s just more interesting to have more people bring stuff in. We’re getting some really interesting pieces.”

So what is a Wild Woman? Serra-Wenz offered this definition: “Someone who wants to take risks. Be playful. Someone who enjoys the art of life.”

There’s a certain freedom, a certain challenge, that comes when creating a piece for a show with “Wild” in its title.

“People take different leaps with this show. They get a little more fanciful, a little more vibrant,” said Serra-Wenz. “It’s a fun thing to do. The artists look forward to it, as does the community.”

Visitors are encouraged take in the show at their own leisurely pace.

“Take your time. Look at each painting. Enjoy it. We don’t care how long you take,” Serra-Wenz said.

Artists will be on hand to provide insight.

“We like people to interact with us and talk about the art,” Serra-Wenz added. “If they have any questions, that’s what we’re here for.”

For years the show was held in January. But moved to July several years ago.

According to the River Gallery website:

The reception is Saturday, July 13, 2-5 p.m. Participating artists will be in attendance.

Admission is free. There was a $25 fee for each accepted art work. Proceeds benefit the gallery.

River Gallery works with some 70 artists from throughout the region.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. It will be closed Aug. 4-14 for renovations

The address is 184 Main Street, Independence.