Who Am I? Who Are We? “Cycle of Life” Exhibit Opening at Riverside Studios

Mary Bryson’s paintings in oil will be the focus of this month’s Second Saturday at Riverside Studios. Mary’s painting “Sacred Lotus Cycle” is inspired by the life cycle of the Lotus.

Perennial lotuses are native to temperate zones, like Asheville, NC. Lotus seeds germinate in the mud, usually at the bottom of bodies of water. A tiny seedling will emerge from the seed coat and roots will start to grow down into the mud. Plants produce flowers, which both rise and bloom, unscathed, above the water, symbolizing hope, rebirth, strength, and resilience. Lotus flowers produce heat to attract beetles, its main pollinator, that feed on nectar. The flowers also release a scent that signals to these insects there is food available. When a beetle lands on the flower, it brushes against the stigma, picking up pollen in the process. After pollination, a seed pod forms in the center of the flower and the petals fall away. The pod will grow and turn brown as it matures. Eventually, the pod will split open to release hundreds of seeds. Most of these seeds will be eaten by other aquatic organisms, but some will be carried away by the current and eventually take root in a new location survive to begin the cycle anew.

Our beautiful old building, located on the corner of West Haywood Street and Riverside Drive, dates back to the 1890’s and has its origin in the early industrial days of the River Arts District.