MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The Middletown Art Center has opened its new exhibit, “MOVE!”

The exhibit features compelling work by new and familiar artists.

Politically, spiritually, physically and compositionally, the exhibit speaks to the theme of movement through diverse materials and content.

From Kelseyville artist Monte Brill’s whimsical kinetic fountain sculpture made out of wine bottles and glasses to Lower Lake artist Ruth Richard’s black and white “The Laws of Women,” the MOVE! exhibit invites you to stretch your edges and think.

"Water is a magical thing," Brill said of his whimsical kinetic sculpture “Tipsy,” an elegant, automated decanter that is somewhat of a riddle as to how it works.

The design is inspired by the physics of shishi odoshi (deer scarer) — ancient Japanese devices made to frighten away animals that pose a threat to agriculture. Using materials found in modern wineries, two wine bottles perpetually refill and pour into revolving wheels of wineglasses below. The piece is mesmerizing in its motion and in the resulting sounds of moving water.

Richards created “The Laws Women” to bring awareness to the plight of the Zapatistas who declared war against the Mexican government in 1994.

Her digital drawings depict the Women's Revolutionary Law, a set of 10 laws that grant rights to women regarding marriage, children, work, health, education, and political and military participation while protecting them from violence.

Women fought alongside men in the Zapatista National Liberation Army in response to over 500 years of oppression, poverty and exploitation. The series is powerful, and always relevant.

MOVE! will be on view through March 28.

The MAC Gallery is open Thursday through Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment by calling 707-809-8118.

MAC continues to innovate and adapt to offer arts and cultural events to the community at MAC and virtually, during this challenging time.

Find out more about programs, opportunities and ways to get involved, support and celebrate the MAC’s efforts to weave the arts and culture into the fabric of life in Lake County ​at www.​middletownartcenter.org.​