The latest works of Marilyn Cochrane speak to the mystery of the universe and bring together the beauty of interstellar objects with life on Earth, says the Niagara-on-the-Lake-based artist.

Art lovers enjoyed wine, charcuterie and Cochrane’s newest collection at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre on the weekend.

Cochrane is hosting her second show at the Pumphouse this month, marking her fourth solo exhibition.

Over 40 people gathered in the art gallery on Aug. 17 to hear Cochrane discuss her newest collection, “In and Out of This World,” and to meet the artist.

The exhibit combines extraterrestrial planetary shapes with patterns and colours found on Earth.

In a Q&A session with guests, Cochrane said her paintings speak to the mystery of the universe.

“I’ve always been fascinated with the night sky and the images that have come in from the new big telescopes out there,” she said.

“I wanted to mix planets and the beauty on Earth in the flowers.”

The collection’s works were displayed in the Joyner Gallery, and Cochrane arranged the curation.

Paintings of planets and paintings of flowers were placed next to one another to create a flowing effect between the shapes, she explained.

“I make myself a plan of the walls, and then I make little templates of the paintings,” she said. “I know by colour and shape where I want it to fit.”

Cochrane is one of the eight solo exhibits hosted in the 2025 season at the Pumphouse.

Rima Boles, director of the Pumphouse, explained the qualities the selection team looks for in potential artists to host.

“We’re always looking for quality in the artwork, variety in subject matter and medium,” Boles said. “The quality of (Cochrane’s) work is outstanding. She has shown here before, and it always got great feedback and reception.”

Cochrane last brought her solo work to the Pumphouse in 2022. She said she is excited to be back because she enjoys spreading joy with her work.

“It’s wonderful to see people coming to enjoy the art with me,” Cochrane explained. “These are joyful, happy paintings, and the world can use it.”

Cochrane’s first art exhibition was in 1993 in Toronto, but she said she isn’t worried about ever running out of ideas.

“I’m always thinking about what I want to paint … I’ve got too many ideas and I can’t narrow them down,” she said.

The colourful and texture-rich paintings of the “In and Out of This World” collection will be on display at the Pumphouse until Aug. 31.