Press Release Auburn: Art on Main Gallery Michael Dinning Contact: Allison Hyde, Arts Coordinator 253-931-3043 arts@auburnwa.gov<mailto:arts@auburnwa.gov> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2022 ___________ The City of Auburn and the Auburn Arts Commission are pleased to present an art installation, titled American Fabric, by Michael Dinning<http://www.michaeldinning.com/> at Auburn's Art on Main window-front gallery, on view July 11 - October 2, 2022. Artist Exhibition Statement: I began drawing as a child before I have memories of doing so, and it was through my artwork that I found my identity. I nearly exclusively drew images of people, attempting repeatedly to get at what makes individuals unique, what defines them, and trying to work out how people see me. I constantly looked inward to find a sense of self that I could project to the world. It seemed to me that identity doesn't just happen, it is something created by the people, places and things, both grand and intimate, that we choose to hold close, and that we need to return to, again and again, as we navigate the world around us. Our identities are constructed with these intriguing bits and pieces because they compel us, bring us joy, and define the way that we want to see ourselves, and how others see us. All of these parts, both essential and insignificant, combine to make us unique. The identity of a country is defined by the identity of it's people. America is a complex collections of individuals and traditions, and to understand how and where we fit in the world it is important to value the life right around us, our communities of people and events, routines and ideas. A myriad of thoughts and voices give shape to American society, and make our cities and neighborhoods dynamic, unique, and vibrant. Regional traditions and personal idiosyncrasies fascinate me. When I travel this country I seek out the history of the places I go, how people came to belong there, how the character of the people shaped the history of the place. America is a magnet for people seeking a better life, a shelter from misery, a place where there is hope. Immigration is an issue in American society that is fraught with emotion, division and acrimony. Instead of rending society with our differences, we can instead focus on the character of a man like Abraham Lincoln. Few people in American history have believed as strongly as Lincoln that the need for human dignity must be at the root of this country. A free and diverse population is what makes America unique in the world, and lies at the strength of our country. I believe that when we turn our backs on that diversity, and deny those who believe in America as a place where a better life can be found, it weakens our country, and darkens the light of the American experience and our basic ideals as a people. [cid:image003.jpg@01D89534.3D831B30] American Fabric, Michael Dinning, 2022. Mixed media installation. Art on Main Gallery, One Main Street, Auburn, WA 98001 The gallery is viewable from the street 24 hours a day 7 days a week ____________________________________________________________________________ This art installation is coordinated through the City of Auburn, Parks, Arts & Recreation Department and with the support of the Auburn Arts Commission. Questions? Contact Allison Hyde, Arts Coordinator or arts@auburnwa.gov<mailto:arts@auburnwa.gov>. Information on City of Auburn cultural arts program can be found at www.auburnwa.gov/arts<http://www.auburnwa.gov/arts> or call 253-931-3043. Allison Hyde (she/her/hers) | Arts Coordinator City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation 253.804.5043, ahyde@auburnwa.gov<mailto:ahyde@auburnwa.gov> More ARTS Than You Imagined!<http://www.auburnwa.gov/arts> The information contained in this electronic communication is personal, privileged and/or confidential information intended only for the use of the individual(s) or entity(ies) to which it has been addressed. If you read this communication and are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication, other than delivery to the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail. Thank you.