Art Exhibits

The Firehouse Arts Center is excited to present the solo exhibition of Emilie Munsch, “Inspired by Nature.” Featuring 13 works by the artist, this presentation celebrates a decade of tactile exploration and environmental mindfulness through the medium of collage. Each piece is a layered improvisation, an intuitive dance with recycled papers, matte medium, and water, and echoes of spontaneity through finger painting. The artist embraces the unpredictable nature of reused materials, navigating their varying textures with creative flexibility and care. Nature remains a constant companion and muse in Munsch’s work through her depictions of lively animals and serene landscapes. Through these collages, the artist holds onto the fleeting beauty of the world, translating it into layered surfaces that invite reflection and touch. The exhibition features collage paintings created since 2015, alongside recent drawings from 2024 and 2025, marking an ongoing journey of material, memory, and meaning.

The artist has released the following statement in regards to her exhibtion:

“It is my desire to savor the beauty of the nature using artistic expression: drawing nature themed images and reusing paper for collaged paper paintings. Creating collage paintings is an improvisation of using recycled papers. Reusing materials in my art just seemed like a good thing to do: my little part of conservation for the environment.

I enjoy this tactile way of painting; applying papers with matt medium and water like finger painting. Working with the different papers is a challenge that encourages creative flexibility. There are different thicknesses, translucency, textures, reaction to the medium, and color fastness. To try to protect against fading over time, these collage works are finished off with a UV resistant spray.

I am blessed every day when I am involved with nature and my art continues to be a way to hold on to the beauty around me.”