OPENING RECEPTION & CIDER TASTING
Thursday, August 6 | 5–8pm
Step into a study of softness. Katharine T. Jacobs's botanical cyanotypes distill sunlight, survival, and the quiet radiance of wildflowers into luminous prints.
Come for Blue Bee's complimentary Tasting Thursday—cider, paired bites, neighbors gathering from 5–7pm. Then stay later to enjoy the art.
PLUS—10% discount on featured bottles. It’s the perfect way to kick off the much anticipated weekend, so grab your friends, sip some wine, and toast to Katharine and her artwork!
Complimentary cider and small bites available from 5–7pm and while supplies last.
WILD & SOFT COLLECTION
Botanical cyanotypes that rewire what beauty can hold. Each piece—pressed wildflowers, sunlight, chemistry—becomes a conversation between hand and nature. Katharine uses this alchemy as artistic exercise to rest, recharge, and reconnect to a softer side of her art and, ultimately, herself.
Katharine T. Jacobs – Sculptor & Multidisciplinary Artist
Katharine T. Jacobs is a sculptor and multidisciplinary artist based in rural California. Her work examines the emotional and physical impacts of addiction, illness, and the complexities of care. Grounded in personal experience, her practice explores what it means to live in ongoing relationship with grief and chronic illness.
She received a BFA in photography before expanding into sculpture and fiber-based media during her MFA, developing a more tactile and process-oriented approach. Her work engages with themes of disability, femininity, and play, often through contemporary applications to traditional Fine Art and Craft practices.
ARTIST STATEMENT
As an interdisciplinary artist, my work blends historical techniques with contemporary craft, exploring themes of nature, labor, and identity. To me the history and the reputation of cyanotype is undeniably feminine. In my studies of alternative process photography I was never drawn to cyanotype due to its simplicity and the limitations of its color.
When my life drastically changed within a year following the birth of my daughter, my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis and the realization and escape of my abusive marriage; I reevaluated every aspect of my life, including materials. The pulls of motherhood demanded my attention, and the darkroom was neglected. I looked for a craft that I could do with a baby on my hip.
My MS diagnosis suggested a correlation with a lack of vitamin D which led me to seek more time in the sun in my last days in Oregon, then to fully immerse myself outdoors after returning to my native state of California. While healing from heartbreak, I was desperate to keep my hands busy and found myself surrounded by wildflowers.
For all of these reasons I turned to cyanotype. Every spring and summer since I have returned to this part of my practice where I am able to unapologetically embrace the beauty of nature. In contrast to my conceptual work, this practice is not led by the complexity of trauma but by the simplicity of unapologetic beauty. Each summer I make a series of botanical cyanotypes that allow me to soften my practice, and allow a tenderness to seep in that I am able to carry into my other work and life.
MORE GATHERINGS
Thursday, September 3 | 5–7pm
Same place. Cider, art, and a reason to bring some friends and enjoy the evening.
Sunday, September 27 | 12–3pm
The last chance to stand in front of these prints and maybe even bring one home.
WILD & SOFT | COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Katharine's cyanotypes are out in the wild before the show even opens—placed at women-owned businesses across Richmond to help spread the word about her first East Coast solo exhibition. It takes a village, y'all!
Go see these originals and support these badass women. Buy an original from this run and 10% goes straight back to the businesses hosting them—the ones making Richmond the awesome city it is!
Six cyanotype originals, out on placement now. 30×22 in with hanger frame included—$1,500 each through July 31. Price increases August 1 with the show.
WATCH KATHARINE MAKE AN APPLE CYANOTYPE INSPIRED BY BLUE BEE CIDER
BIG THANKS TO OUR VENUE PARTNER BLUE BEE CIDER!
BLUE BEE CIDER
4811 Bethlehem Rd Ste A
Richmond, VA 23230
website | upcoming events
TASTING ROOM HOURS
WEDNESDAY–FRIDAY
4–8pm
SATRUDARY
12–8pm
SUNDAY
12–6pm
We are a family- and pet- friendly cidery that serves award winning cider in glasses, carafes, and flights.