Ranging in style and background, the artists in Persistence of Form focus on the physical. These artists draw from every field of art history to compile with delicate care their subjects. Human figures, flora, fauna, looming towers, and geometrical forms all take center stage in this exhibition. With visceral talent and intimate knowledge of their chosen media, these artists bring a fresh new look to their subjects, forcing their viewers to stop and question: who are these figures? Where are these emotional scenes?

The human figure takes center stage in the paintings of Esther Insa, but her varied, adventurous images go far beyond any standard notion of portraiture. In her images, bodies are represented in many ways, from precise photographic representations to subtle, mysterious abstractions.

Jieting Chen’s also explores the human form, as her multicolored watercolor paints become the basis for sensitively painted women, coaxed out of a careful balance of water and pigment; whereas artist Stephen Najda focuses on exploring the human form from multiple perspectives and creates a powerful narrative in which the subjects morph from classical representation to abstraction and back again.

For Esther Gracia Marques, the human body is “a transparent mirror of feelings,” revealing a hidden language through facial expressions, gestures, and movements. In her oil paintings on canvas, she brings that language to the surface with figures who powerfully communicate their emotions.

The mysterious nature of humanity is a central focus of much of Arlette Zurbuchen’s work, as she balances silhouettes, distorted figures, and bright colors to construct works that range from surreal to humorous. For artist Ron Robidoux, whose isolated buildings and figures exhibit an almost lonely calmness with that mysterious nature, art is a means of communicating feelings. “If you can make that connection with someone," he says, "it feels great."

Founder of “The Luxury Art Movement,” artist, author, and inspirational speaker Zoe Summer’s intention, “to shift a viewer from logical 'rational' mode of thought into their intuition, heart's wisdom, and Truth,” is exhibited in her soulful and elemental renderings of a person’s inner life journey and the hidden nature of the universe.

Dutch artist Lida Boonstra is an impressionistic steel sculptor who, in a take on the traditional bust form, has presented her wildlife “trophies” as a means of humanizing animals and exploring the universality of emotion.

In L.A. Cline’s paintings, nature is seen in what are essentially close-ups: blossoms or groups of flowers fill each image, captured with a precision that gives them a powerful physical presence.

Other artists create works that play with the abstract: the known versus the imagined. “My vision is to work with my sculptures in twilight between dream and reality,” artist Helgi Gíslason says, and his strong technique brings that vision to life.

JCK’s darkly abstract paintings often incorporate Chinese symbols, rocks, glass, jewelry, photographs, or tiles, giving them a complex texture and layering effect that infuses the works with uncommon visual energy.

As with stained glass windows in churches, Gabriel Landry’s work is frequently described as allegorical and spiritual. He paints an idealized world where there are no borders, prejudice, or divisions between people, largely speaking for peace.

Born in Siberia and now residing in Brooklyn, MOZER was inspired early in life by a Salvador Dalí book, and his acrylic paintings feature abstract shapes created with a distinctive color palette.

New Zealand-based sculptor Richard Page aims to rival the perfection of nature in his work. Using techniques acquired through collaborations across the world, Page creates stone-based sculptures that reference or play with the physical force and beauty in organic formations.

Mark Salevitz aims to capture the uniqueness of cultural experiences by bringing a variety of subjects and landscapes to life, channeling his experiences and memories into vibrant, colorful scenes.

The exhibition opens on December 1st and will run until December 22nd, 2015. The opening reception will take place Thursday, December 3rd, from 6-8 PM. The exhibition and opening reception are open to the public.