'What Do You Cover?' exhibit opens Sept. 12 at Emerge

The innovative and immersive “What Do You Cover?” exhibition by conceptual artist Duncan Clark Menzies will open Sept. 12 at Emerge.

The exhibition, which runs through Oct. 5, will transform the gallery into a contemporary sacred art space, inviting visitors to engage in a collective exploration of the themes of personal and communal covering.

Menzies' latest work is part of "The Bedsheet Chronicles," an ongoing project that begins with personal interviews in which the artist asks participants a single question: "What do you cover?" The answers, both personal and communal, guide the creation of Menzies' art.

“This exhibit for me has been an uncovering of myself in a new light,” Menzies said in an Aug. 21 news release.

For this exhibition, Menzies introduces an avant-garde installation inspired by the ancient Celtic tradition of "clootie wells," where pieces of cloth are tied to trees as offerings and prayers for healing.

Upon entry on opening night, visitors will be greeted by actors dressed in bedsheet-striped robes. These actors will present each guest with a strip of bedsheet. These strips, which symbolize personal coverings, will serve as a canvas for attendees to write down what they choose to cover in their lives. The central piece of the exhibition is a dynamic "tree" encircled by the same striped bed sheets.

"This exhibition is not just an art show — it's an experience," Menzies said. "By incorporating the ritual of the ‘clootie well,’ we aim to create a moment of collective reflection and healing. The act of tying these personal coverings to the tree, surrounded by light, serves as a literal and metaphorical shedding of what we conceal, offering a space for renewal."

The immersive environment, combined with Menzies' conceptual art lamps created from bedsheets donated by community members, further deepens the exploration of the exhibition's central question: "What do you cover?" 

“For me, the community is a big part of the project; I often get material from people who know about the project," Menzies said. "For this show, I was given time and space at a commune for the woodworking portion, wood from multiple people, studio space by a community member and the Idaho Commission on the Arts granted funding for the installation portion."

Menzies said like most things in his life, “What Do You Cover?” would not be possible without the help and support of the community.

"This project started as a way to connect with others, and it brings me joy that that same energy continues in this iteration," he said.

Each lamp will serve as a unique testament to the stories and experiences of those who contributed.

The "What Do You Cover?" opening reception will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors will have opportunities to participate in the installation, meet the artist and engage with the community.

Emerge is at 119 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene.

    Mixed media pieces by conceptual artist Duncan Clark Menzies, whose innovative and immersive “What Do You Cover?” art exhibition will open Sept. 12 at Emerge.