Every artist has themes and threads that run through their work over a lifetime. Finding The Root, Ellen Chuse's 4th solo exhibition at Park Slope's 440 Gallery, explores several that have been a powerful force in her work for decades. Spanning almost 30 years, these drawings and paintings reflect her engagement with nature and landscape in ways both abstract and representational but always personal. "The energy of trees rising and rooting simultaneously, and the vitality of leaves and plants as they reach for light and air have always fascinated me. The shapes and edges that define them and the spaces in between have been my muse for years," says Chuse.

Finding The Root opens at the 440 Gallery on Thursday, February 27 and will run through Sunday, March 30, 2014. There will be a reception for the artist from 6:00-9:00 PM, Friday, February 28th. Several events related to the exhibition are planned, including a hands-on workshop for children and a theatrical performance. More information will be available at www.440gallery.com. The 440 Gallery, located at 440 Sixth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, is in Park Slope and convenient to the F, G and R subways.

Finding The Root presents charcoal and chalk drawings from the 1980s and 1990s, as well as more recent paintings on paper from 2012 and 2013. These lively works, always bold in either color or black and white, come naturally from Chuse's previous life as a sculptor. Her focus on line and edge creates images that seem almost carved into the paper. While seemingly diverse in scale and subject matter, they all spring from a singular source. Inspired by pine and shad trees from Block Island to Rome and plants from places in between, the work reflects her continuing exploration of organic forms. These forms reflect and echo one another constantly throughout this vibrant exhibition.

Finding The Root opens on Thursday, February 27 and will run through March 30, 2014. The public is welcome to an Opening Reception on Friday, February 28, 6:00 - 9:00pm.