TAMMY ROBACKER: GRAND IMPROMPTU INTERPRETS DARWIN >>>

A family tree of area artists has sprouted an inventive show at the Grand Impromptu Gallery. Evolutionary Tales is a provocative and unique exhibit of South Sound artists interpreting Darwin’s theory of evolution and other scientific contributions to advance humanity. Join the artists and studio owners for a party as they commemorate Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday at their gallery in the Merlino Arts Center on Thursday, Feb. 12.

As Darwin Day descends upon us, the ongoing debate between creationism and evolution still continues all these decades later. Grand Impromptu’s artists offer their own corporeal perceptions on evolution, Darwin’s science and even spirituality. Mirroring the Darwinian concept of phylogeny â€" that all forms of life are related to one another genealogically through pedigree or "family's roots” â€" the Grand Impromptu Gallery developed the show by selecting their own family line of artists to celebrate his birthday and reveal the evolutionary process of their artistic selections and work.

“This show houses a diverse body of works. Many of these pieces explore Darwin’s ideas, theories and even his life. Since his birthday is this month, we thought it was important (to) show a rich artistic interpretation of his science,” says Dorothy McCuistion, gallery co-owner and lithograph artist.

While many of the artists are locally rooted in the Tacoma, Olympia and Peninsula areas, all 46 artists are Washington state residents. Each one contributed a piece that specifically interprets Charles Darwin or his scientific theory that populations evolve over generations through natural selection. The theory of evolution was controversial in Darwin's time and remains controversial in the United States today. 

From marble sculpture to Sumi watercolors, the Grand Impromptu Evolutionary Tales show exhibits how the power of Darwin’s idea may not be popular with the big bang theorists, but indeed, it has changed the world.

[Grand Impromptu Gallery, Thursday, Feb. 12, 5-8 p.m., 608 S. Fawcett, Tacoma, 253.572.9232]

LINK: ViVA South Sound arts and entertainment calendar

Photo: Darwin’s Dream, monotype on Rives BFK: photocopy lithography, draw-through, chine colle, 22” x 32”, 2009, by Dorothy McCuistion