At this unprecedented time in our nation's history, Kehler Liddell Gallery has created an open forum for local artists to respond to the political and social climate. In Inauguration Nation, on view at the gallery through Feb. 12, three dozen artists boldly address current issues in a variety of viewpoints and mediums including visual, literary, and performance art.

Inauguration Nation was organized by artists Tom Edwards and Tracey Scheer. "The goal was to allow artists to fill a room with expressions of their political and emotional views at a critical time in our history," said Edwards. "Some folks protest, others write and post on social media. This show is an outlet for artists to express themselves in their most natural way."

"It's also a place for members of the community to gather on Inauguration Day and after, to explore issues, engage in conversations, and find fellowship among a community of artists," added Scheer. "We hope that folks who are not otherwise engaged on Friday will come by Kehler Liddell Gallery rather than watching the ceremony. This is one of many ways people can come together during critical times to feel a sense of community."

The following special events are planned for inauguration weekend. All of them are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Inauguration Day Open House: Friday, Jan. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Opening Reception: Saturday, Jan. 21 from 3 to 6 p.m.

Official After Party: Saturday, Jan. 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Gordon Skinner's Art Cafe, Erector Square, 315 Peck St., Building #4.

Participating artists include Corina Alvarezdelugo (encaustic), Liz Antle-O'Donnell (mixed media), Marsha Borden (mixed media), Jay Bright (watercolors/dry pigment print), Amira Brown (acrylic/media), Amy Browning (painting), Frank Bruckmann (painting), Rod Cook (photography), Penrhyn Cook (photography), Teens Davis (performance), Tom Edwards (print collage), Daniel Eugene (ink on paper), Silas Finch (sculpture), Julie Fraenkel (sculpture), Kathryn Frund (multimedia), Toni-Ann Gammon (video installation), Katrina Goldburn (painting), Mohammed Hafez (3D installation), Draper Harris (acrylic on paperboard), Joan Jacboson-Zamore (painting), Katie Jurkewicz (painting), Gaetano LaRoche (oils on canvas), Sven Martson (photography), Roy Money (photography), Adam Nicklewicz (acrylic on canvas), Ivan Nussberg (photography), Hilary Opperman (encaustic/mixed), Hank Paper (photography), Jen Payne (visual poetry), Gritti Ragins, Tracey Scheer (mixed media), Attallah Sheppard (performance), Gordon Skinner (sculpture/collage), Mark St. Mary (mixed media), Gar Waterman (photo collage), and Jonathan Weinberg (acrylic/panel).

Kehler Liddell Gallery is located at 873 Whalley Avenue in New Haven. Gallery hours are Thursday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 203-389-9555 or visit www.kehlerliddell.com.