Lifelines: Sarah darlene and james-allan holmes

July 10-September 7, 2025

Opening reception: July 10, 2025 | 5:00-8:00 pm

The Lifelines in this exhibition carry many meanings—they connect us as viewers through the artwork to ideas, experiences, and each other.  A lifeline can be a rope used to rescue someone at sea, a safety line preventing a climber from falling, or--in Palmistry--a line running the palm of the hand revealing insights into health, energy, and life events. A lifeline during war can provide lifesaving communication and a friend in difficult times. The art of James-Allan Holmes and Sarah Darlene intertwines visually and conceptually, drawing from life events, spirituality, hope, art history, and relationships.

Though Darlene and Holmes have been friends for many years, the paths that led them to this shared exhibition were quite different. The gestures in their painting, stitching, and composition reflect the decisions and experiences that shaped their lives and now surface in these canvases and sculptures.

James-Allan Holmes has long been an artist, but he turned to painting more seriously after an equestrian accident. The paths in his paintings--sometimes circuitous, often expansive--reflect a journey through life experiences of joy, loss, pain, and hope. For the viewer, the discovery of these patterns in his paintings becomes an introspective moment to reflect on our own experiences.

Sarah Darlene paints with textiles and fabric. Ripped dresses, pants, and clothing items evoke people and events from the artist’s life. She deftly sews and combines canvas, paint, and altered clothing to conjure images of relationships and events. They investigate ritual, tradition, and the inner life. While James’ paintings can almost be seen as maps on a journey, Sarah’s artworks become way markers and guides.

The Lifelines in this exhibition travel in sinuous curves, offering poignant revelations on the canvas and cloth. Some paths have beginnings and endings, while others trail off the frame. Holmes and Darlene prompt us to consider our own lives—our relationships, experiences, and daily choices. What paths do we choose to take each day, and how can we be more present on our journey?