NORTH BENNINGTON -- The Vermont Arts Exchange will host the opening of "There You Will Always Be," an exhibition of the works of Brooklyn-based artist Traci Molloy -- a native of Shaftsbury who returns to Southern Vermont for a showing of works with deep ties to the region and her experiences here --with a free reception at the Mill Gallery on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The exhibit is on view through Sept. 22.

At the heart of "There You Will Always Be" is a series of six large (30"x42" up to 40"x90"), unframed images from Molloy’s evocative "White Dandelion" series. Other recent work is also on view.

"’White Dandelions’ deals with the passing of time, loss and death," Molloy states in her artist’s statement. The multi-layered images start with grainy black-and-white, snapshot-like photos that "conjure up memories of delight, moments of adolescent joy frozen in time Š teenagers mug for the camera, blowing kisses and displaying affection."

However, the background photos are relics of happier times. Layered atop is text (days, numbers, minutes or dates), indicating excessive amounts of time meticulously counted out. "In some images, the surface is physically altered by the removal of pieces, holes extracted from the photo mimicking the lost bits of memory captured by the passing of time," Molloy states. "As the viewer approaches the images, the figures slip from focus and fade into the background.

This visual dissolution echoes the mental erosion process that occurs over time after the death of a loved oneŠ. This process is essentially the ‘second death,’ the moment when the ability to recall the deceased individual’s voice, their scent, and finally, the way they looked, is lost. The somber digital prints are lonely meditations on time and death."

Molloy, whose work has been seen in more than 140 exhibitions across the country and abroad, has not exhibited in the region for more than 15 years.

The underlying photos of the "White Dandelions" images were taken during her tenure working and coaching at Mount Anthony Union High School (1992-94). For information call 802-442-5549 or visit vtartxchange.org.