A new exhibit at the Kirkland Arts Center, “Contained” examines ways that containers function within our lives.

From physical vessels to metaphorical manifestations, containers influence how we preserve and organize the world around us. In particular, Contained explores the ways that we use physical containers as metaphors for thoughts and memories.

Guest curator Katie Phelps is working with KAC through the Emerging Curator Initiative, a collaboration between KAC and the Museology Master’s Program at the University of Washington. Contained will serve as her Master’s thesis project.

Artists include: Michelle Anderst, Mark Bennett, Zack Bent, Joshua Bloch, Eduardo Calderón, Karen Hackenberg, Elizabeth Halfacre, Amy Hamblin, Victoria Haven, Terry Leness and Colin Tuis Nesbit.

An opening reception for the exhibit will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at the KACenter, 620 Market St., Kirkland. The exhibit runs through March 22.