September 29–November 8, 2014
- Reception:Thursday, Oct. 2, 6–8 p.m. with gallery talk by Richard Moninski at 7 p.m. and music by the Parkland Guitar Ensemble
- Additional Gallery Lectures:
Richard Moninski, Thursday, Oct. 2, 1:15 p.m.
Carrie Ann Schumacher, Wednesday, Oct. 29, 1:15 p.m.
The seven exhibiting artists have a collective interest in the use of materials and/or concepts that reflect ideas related to the physical substances that inform their artwork. Although the artists approach their work in very different ways in content and process, they are linked by the idea of using salvaged material to explore content. Whether the work is about the human body, discarded envelopes, old romance novels, or found fabric, each artist shares a transformative approach to their work by incorporating materials and ideas in an unorthodox manner.
The exhibit participants are comprised of a mix of studio artists and art faculty at several U.S. educational institutions: Richard Moninski, based in Mineral Point, Wisconsin and Distinguished Lecturer in the Department of Performing and Visual Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville; Sarah Nicole Phillips, a studio artist practicing in Brooklyn, New York; Ajean Lee Ryan, an associate professor of drawing at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado; Carrie Ann Schumacher, instructor at Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois, and practicing in Downers Grove, Illinois; Jonpaul Smith, Working Artist in Residence at Tiger Lily Press in Cincinnati, Ohio; Eun-Kyung Suh, a professor in the Department of Art and Design at the University of Minnesota in Duluth; and Kathleen Thum, assistant professor of art at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina.
Costello said the exhibition and gallery talks provide an opportunity for students and the public to learn more about the methods, materials and meaning embedded in artwork made from salvaged materials. "Having artists from all over the country who are working in this manner emphasizes the idea that material really does matter to many contemporary artists," she said. "It provides an opportunity to see the artwork up close and appreciate the selection of materials and craftsmanship imbued in the work."
Image: Sarah Nicole Phillips, Security Brown Eyed Susans, Collage made with discarded security envelopes, 15" x 18", 2013