MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Over the past few weeks lives in Lake County have been dominated by the powerful intensity of nature through fire.

NATURE!, a new exhibit, opens Saturday, Aug. 15, with a reception from 6 to 8 pm, and will be on view until Sept. 27 at the Middletown Art Center, 21456 State Highway 175.

Who is master – nature or man? This new exhibit features work by 20 artists reflecting on the relationship between nature, humanity and art; highlighting wood, metal, earth, wax, or light; raw, fired, woven, beaten; sculpted, painted, printed, combined; captured on film or shaped into form.

NATURE! also will include the adjacent lot on the corner of highways 29 and 175 to showcase art work “in dialogue with nature.”

The center hopes to further develop the lot into a permanent sculpture garden, making an inviting addition to Middletown for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Openings at the new center have been well-attended and well-received. The receptions highlight art, music and community. In addition, The Middletown Art Center showcases other vibrant cultural events, and has become a compelling addition to life in Lake County.

Located at the junction of highways 29 and 175 in Middletown, the old Main Street Pavilion – Gymnasium has been transformed into a beautiful space for contemporary art and performance events.

The back portion of the building serves as a studio where classes in drawing, painting, ceramics and more, are offered for children, teens and adults.

The Middletown Art Center is open Thursdays, noon to 6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 7 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 6 p.m.; or by appointment.

To check class offerings, or find out how to become a member or contribute, visit www.MiddletownArtCenter.org , call 707-809-8118 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .