Holly Johnson Gallery will present the opening of Michelle Mackey: "Beyond Measure," an exhibition of new paintings inspired by Enchanted Rock that highlights the relationship between the past and present.

For the last several years, Mackey has been exploring the futility and successes of human attempts to harness the earth’s power for energy and survival. From Iceland to west Texas, Mackey talked with geologists and hydrologists about geothermal energy, sinkholes, and erosion.

Now her work focuses on a different kind of power: Enchanted Rock, a dome of pink granite in Central Texas. Enchanted Rock rises like a pink half-moon in an otherwise limestone-filled landscape, and this anomaly draws 250,000 tourists per year to climb it. But Enchanted Rock has lured visitors long before it was a public park – tales of silver deposits enticed the Spanish explorers and stories of battles filled Comanche and Tonkawa tribes with reverence for the rock. That awe remains alive today because of the sheer grandeur of crystals shining on the surface and the smooth curve that hides the elusive summit from view as one climbs.

Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on view through February 11.