A reception for ArtProv Gallery’s show “A Memory of Elephants” will be held during Gallery Night Providence October 18 from 5 to 9 .m. The exhibit features works from Patricia Hansen’s mother/child elephant series that evolved from her journey in northern Thailand. It runs through November 9.

While in Thailand, Patricia spent time with former working elephants, now rescued, learning to care for them and developing a bond and mutual trust in the process. Babies of different ages were present as well and the tender mother/child relationship was a joyous, life-affirming thing to witness. Upon return to the US, the elephants became a metaphor for Patricia of our relationship to the earth, prompting her to reflect more deeply about the issues of our co-existence and how we need to live now – respectful in a sustainable world.