The taxidermy of clouds is the avant-garde topic of an upcoming art show at the Dolores River Brewery on April 1-4.

“Taxidreamy” is the creation of Dolores artist Megan Stout, who has painted 70 images with impressions and interpretations of clouds.

“My goal is to reach 100 for the show,” she said. “I was inspired by a Rufus Wainright song, who wonders if there are clouds in hell.”

She’s deconstructing the cloud topic on an abstract level, and has enjoyed how the concept has evolved over a four-month painting marathon.

“I’ve been inspired and very busy. I did not go for clouds in landscapes, I took the taxidermy of clouds to a more dreamlike state,” she said. “There is a lot of color and use of lines, with a quirky quality.”

Stout used mixed media, including acrylics and spray paint. She prefers to use plywood for her canvases, especially those that have aged because they have more character.

“I love giving life to old wood that has been lying around, forgotten,” she said.

A portion of sales from the show will be donated to the art programs at Southwest Open School. Prices range from $30 for smaller pieces to $100 and above for larger canvases.

“I wanted to give back to the community, and provide SWOS with some funding to buy art supplies for students,” she said.

An artist reception and art sale will be on Monday, April 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Beer and wine will be available for sale.