Local painter explores issues of space and self in Hotel Congress exhibit

Local artist Catherine Eyde is out of this world - at least, her artwork is.

Her work - currently on display at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St., and the adjoining cafe, The Cup - portrays women in outer space as a metaphor for the limitless freedom of choice and change that should be available to them.

"My latest exhibition, 'Women in Space,' has to do with changing your environment and changing your life (as a woman), removing obstacles and exploring possibilities," said Eyde, who has lived in Tucson for five years.

Bold and colorful with a playful surreal influence, Eyde's watermedia on canvas and watercolor on paper involves women portrayed in retro spacesuits, fantasy settings, whimsical imagery and surreal land- and spacescapes.