An opening reception will take place on Friday, Feb. 4 from 5-9 p.m. 

Ewing’s work is inspired by childhood memories and experiences. The 1971 movie “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” resonated with him for its juxtaposition of dark and light.

“I imagined that if everything were made out of candy the world might be a better place. But there was a darker element in the film as well,” he said.

The darker aspects of human nature as demonstrated in Godzilla movies and the metaphor of the atomic bombing of Japan also influence Ewing’s work. Other, more tactile experiences are reflected in his aesthetic, such as the feel of the interior of his uncle’s 1970 Plymouth GTX and the loud, powerful sound of the engine.

This exhibition is a confluence of these experiences that, he said, “feels a bit like a post-apocalyptic Candyland, crazy and fun, but also a bit unnerving. Both light and dark – like life.” 

Ewing was born in Detroit in 1965. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from the College for Creative Studies and a Master of Fine Arts in painting from Wayne State University, both in Detroit. He has taught at Ohio University and Wayne State, and currently teaches studio arts, art history and humanities at Schoolcraft College, Henry Ford College and Oakland Community College. His work is widely varied and includes drawing, acrylic painting, fabric and vinyl sculpture, and multi-media installations. His work has been shown nationally, including in New York City, Chicago and California.

Attendees are welcome to tour the entire Catapult facilities including the Southeast’s Department of Art and Design student studios and gallery. Visitors are also invited to browse the merchandise in the Catapult Creative House Shoppe, which features student work and local business products.

Catapult Creative House is located at 612 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. All gallery exhibitions, events and talks are free and open to the public.