Exhibition: Windows in the Church of Nature by Tom Dakin

This exhibit traces an unintentional journey of self-awareness that began years ago with a deck of cards using animals to reflect human behavior. From that starting point, Tom Dakin explored cross-stitch animal patterns, then beading, and eventually moved fluidly between media, creating new designs along the way. About six years ago, his muse led him to glass, where the work has continued to evolve. The show blends influences of mosaic, petroglyph, cave painting, prairie school, and fantasy, featuring totems that hold personal meaning for the artist while inviting universal reflection, reminding us that even an ant casts a shadow. Dakin hopes viewers reconnect with the fleeting joy of encountering wildlife and consider the value of recognizing and emulating the positive traits of other beings, a central idea of this “Church.”