Parallel Paths opens at Beebe’s at The Gallery with an opening reception on Friday, October 10, 6–9 PM, followed by an encore opening on October 17, 6–9 PM, presented in collaboration with the C. Stuart and Jane H. Hunt Art Gallery Residencies.
This exhibition brings together the work of Cindi O’Mara and Ruby Merritt, highlighting the transformative power of mentorship in shaping not only artistic practice but also the field of art education. O’Mara, an accomplished artist with decades of teaching experience, guided Merritt in the early stages of her creative development. That guidance instilled both technical foundations and the confidence to pursue a dual path as an artist and arts educator.
Today, their works are exhibited side by side—distinct in form yet connected by a shared commitment to nature, material exploration, and the ongoing pursuit of learning. O’Mara’s practice reflects years of close observation and the collection of organic forms, while Merritt’s experimental approach extends those lessons into new directions, informed by her own teaching practice.
Beyond the exhibition, Parallel Paths emphasizes the importance of educational exchange in the arts. Mentorship serves as a model for how knowledge, skills, and inspiration circulate between generations of artists, strengthening both individual practices and the broader cultural landscape. A free full-color exhibition catalog, featuring essays from community arts leaders, accompanies the show.
