Ruralscapes

February 1 - April 30, 2026

Curated by: Dr. Matthew Ryan Smith
An exhibition of works from the Lynnwood Arts permanent collection

Ruralscapes explores scenes of rural life through artworks from the permanent collection of Lynnwood Arts. The term rural is often used to describe places beyond cities and towns, such as fields, forests, lakes, and pastures. But rural life is shaped by more than geography. It reflects a close relationship with nature, labour connected to the land, and a rhythm of life guided by the changing seasons. From close-up views of ripening tomato plants and hand-carved birds to golden daffodils and rows of tobacco kilns, the works presented here invite viewers to see familiar subjects in new and unexpected ways. The artists encourage us to think about how rural spaces are defined, experienced, remembered, and imagined. They suggest that rural landscapes are not empty or static, but shaped by people, traditions, plants, and animals. Through the exhibition, we are invited to reconsider our relationship with rural spaces and to recognize their role in shaping our identity and communities. Above all, it celebrates the beauty, resilience, and richness of rural life, showing how art can make the familiar feel monumental and the everyday extraordinary.