Fictional exhibition opens Saturday at Art Spirit Gallery

The Art Spirit Gallery is inviting the community to attend a captivating artist talk by Mary Francis Dondelinger from 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 9 during the unveiling of an imaginative exhibit that challenges perceptions and invites new interpretations of ancient civilizations.

The exhibit opens Saturday.

In this turbulent post-truth era, sometimes the most unbelievable discoveries are the most compelling. This August, the Art Spirit Gallery will explore a fictional yet thought-provoking archaeological find that blurs the lines between history, art and imagination.  

Discover the unbelievable: The Society of M.Flandia

Deep beneath the surface of Santa Rosa Island, a rare and unprecedented archaeological cache has been uncovered, revealing the mysterious society of M.Flandia — an ancient agrarian community whose societal structures and cultural practices defy conventional understanding.

Some scientists debate the authenticity of this find, primarily because of the striking gender equality depicted in its artifacts.

“Sometimes it’s hard for our minds to grasp new concepts and images, especially when they challenge our existing paradigms," Dondelinger said in a recent news release. "This discovery invites us to interpret early societies in a whole new way.”

The artifacts depict a society where women are active, athletic, warriors and thinkers — vividly portrayed in pottery and sculptures reminiscent of classic Greek art but with an undeniably modern, empowering twist.

Exhibition highlights:

• "Goddess of Strength:" A nearly intact sculpture standing 70 centimeters tall, featuring a powerful female figure with boxing gloves, symbolizing strength, protector of the earth or animals or perhaps both. Animals line her dress, hinting at a society that revered nature and power.

• "Aquatic God of Fertility:" The exquisite head sculpture suggests youthful vitality and strength, with coral-like hair painted in a rare blue glaze influenced by ancient Asian travelers. Fish sculptures recovered nearby add to the mystery of this early society.

While the nature of this fictional society remains a puzzle, one thing is clear: Both men and women played vital roles in this community — perhaps equal, perhaps not, but undeniably significant in shaping village life.

Time is limited

Fragments and complete pieces are being studied and processed as part of ongoing research. For now, the Art Spirit Gallery will showcase a curated selection of these evocative artifacts.

This exhibition is a rare opportunity to glimpse into an imaginative and thought-provoking chapter of early human history — one that questions traditional narratives and sparks fresh dialogue. 

The Art Spirit is at 415 Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

This article was updated to reflect Dondelinger's talk will be Aug. 9, not Aug. 2.

    "Round-a-Round," clay, by Mary Frances Dondelinger.
  

    "Hunter Hare Vessel," clay, by Mary Frances Dondelinger.