TRACI HARMON-HAY (American b.1966-)Painter “Hover” explores the consequences of human disconnection and what the future may hold for us under this paradigm. Though the hovering represents uncertainty, this work is an expression of hope, of a future where people inspire each other to find solutions to the problems of modern day society collectively. It is also a statement about climate change and how it will affect our coastal areas – from working waterfronts to housing communities that have existed for nearly three hundred years.The “Floating House” series depicts houses hovering above the ground. For some they may be viewed as landing, as a dream fulfilled. For others, they may be viewed as departing, tethered by a cord in an effort to save them. Hovering in the air, these houses are safe from water. Held by a tether, they are still in our grasp – we and the home are safe. These paintings aim to bring attention to the current lack of affordable housing in our local communities, and, simultaneously, the threat climate change is having on our waterfront. The absence of landscape in these works allows the viewer to focus solely on the structure itself, contemplating its history and purpose and highlighting the importance of home.The “Levitating Boat,” with a line extending to unknown depths, is Harmon-Hays response to climate change and how it, and the threat of government regulation, will affect the livelihood of many coastal residents. Within the need to sustain life and the environment come obstacles that can weigh on each opposing side. Whichever way the viewer perceives the boat, ascending or descending, the intention is to foster conversation regarding rising seas and the future of fishing and the environment. Combining these two series provides a larger look at houses and boats and how they support and sustain life. They are more than inanimate objects – they are shelter, livelihood and a sense of place. Traci Harmon-Hay received her BFA in illustration, and painting from the Maryland Institute of Art and studied with Fritz Briggs of the Schuler School of Fine Arts in Baltimore. Represented by New York’s Creative Freelancers, Harmon-Hay cofounded Studio Six, an illustration co-op. Her clients included the Washington Times, Baltimore Sun, Nation’s Business Magazine, Yankee Publishing and Cambell’s. She owned the Harmon Gallery in Wellfleet from 2000 until 2014, and was a gallery artist through 2020.