The Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center in Post Falls is offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat with its new water-themed exhibition titled H2O, opening Aug. 14. The work of local artists will be celebrated with an opening reception in the historic space, featuring light refreshments, live music by the jazz group A Shot in the Dark, and of course — air conditioning.

“It’s been a hot August,” said JACC Director Darla Dreyer. “So, we thought a show about water would be appropriate.”

For local artist Tia Flynn, this event is an exciting opportunity to share her abstract acrylic paintings with friends and family as well as the wider Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene community. This is her third time exhibiting her work at the JACC, and she is grateful for the welcoming atmosphere they offer.

“They’re such a cool place, I’m just amazed, I picked up a class schedule for the fall, and they have so many things going on,” Tia said. “When you go to one of their shows, there is something for everybody.”

Originally from Kennewick, Wash., Tia began painting as a child under the guidance of her aunt and free art lessons in the park. Her love of art sustained her through five years of service in the Air Force as a radar operator, during which she painted murals on the walls of the barracks. After traveling around the world, she is happy to have settled in the art-friendly town of Coeur d’Alene and enjoys taking her granddaughter to art lessons at the JACC.

“They have kids painting on the porch in the summer and she loved it,” Tia said. “It was really similar to what I did as a kid.”

Tia visited several exhibitions at the JACC over the years and wondered whether her work might fit in, but it took her some time to work up the courage to submit. Her first pieces at JACC were part of the Art Uplifts exhibition in honor of deceased musician Jimmy Magnuson, which she submitted at the request of Magnuson’s mother.

“It’s always been really, really hard for me to self-promote my art, most of my life I’ve been working,” Tia said. “But they have just made this process super easy.”

Her newest pieces are reminiscent of underwater scenes and fit the theme of the H2O exhibition with their bubbly texture and shades of blue, purple and green. She is excited to attend the opening reception and enjoy the concert at JACC with her family.

The opening reception of the H2O exhibition will take place at the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center on Aug. 14, 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a concert titled "An American Songbook Evening" at 7 p.m. Jazz quartet A Shot in the Dark will perform a range of classic American favorites. H2O will be on view at the JACC from Aug. 14 until Oct. 10.

    "Polly Wog Pond by Tia Flynn.
  

    "Conche Shell" by Tia Flynn.