‘Arcana,’ a Tarot-Themed Art Show, Comes to Springs

On Saturday, September 14, “Arcana,” an exhibition featuring work by artists with ties to the East End, opens at Folly Tree Arboretum in Springs. The show is organized by Ellie Duke, director of the artist-in-residence program at Folly Tree Arboretum. It opens with a reception on September 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. and runs through September 21.

“Arcana” includes work by 22 artists who have each been assigned a major arcana Tarot card to interpret as they wish. The show will feature textiles, sculpture, illustration, painting, florals and more, made by a mix of local star artists and some who are emerging. While some of the artists are very familiar with the Tarot, for a few, this is their first encounter.

The participating artists are: Fitzhugh Karol, Tucker Marder, Peter Treiber Jr., Ellie Duke, Isla Hansen, Jasmine Chamberlain, Amy Zerner, Quentin Curry, Field Kallop, Scott Bluedorn, Isaac Schneider, Dan Roe, Kate Salke, Soren Hope, Mica Marder, Emma B. Turner, Leo Turpan, Paton Miller, Harris Allen, Jonathan Shlafer, Peter Spacek and Lucy Loewenberg.

The 22 major arcana Tarot cards comprise a set of archetypes that trace a journey toward spiritual enlightenment, starting with the simple Fool, full of potential and momentum, all the way to the ultimate completeness of the World. For Arcana, each artist was assigned one card and provided some contextual information regarding its symbolism, the archetype depicted, and examples of other artistic renditions. From there, each artist has the freedom to interpret as they wish. Anything goes, from a more literal recreation in the artist’s own style, to a wildly abstracted version. While the Tarot is often used as a tool for divination, spiritual reflection, and personal growth, it was originally created as an instrument for playing games. In that spirit, Duke welcomes amusing, fanciful and wild translations of the major arcana.

Folly Tree Arboretum is at 741 Springs Fireplace Road in the heart of Springs.