The 2019 bi-annual Visual Arts Faculty Show, “Salon des Refuses”, opened March 12 and will run through April 6 in the Fine Arts Gallery.
“Salon des Refuses” showcases the work of professors Dr. Windy Wang, Jason Stout, David McBeth, Lane Last, Sarah Haig, Grace Eckert and Dr. Carol Eckert.
Each professor honed in on their craft to create pieces for the gallery.
For example, Last, professor of Graphic Design, produced a few pieces that were digital press on fabric, while McBeth, 3-D Art Studio professor, created some stoneware pieces.
Each piece in the gallery has its own personal style and really shows the talent of each professor.
“I think it’s a great show and I love the range of what we all do and it’s great to showcase it for the students,” Dr. Carol Eckert said.
The focal point of the room is a mixed media installation by both Eckerts, titled Denizens of the Art World. A plaque explains what each piece represents, including humorous descriptions of the amusing works of art.
While Denizens of the Art World is a fun, exciting piece, there are other great pieces in the gallery as well.
Wang created multiple traditional Chinese paintings which are delicate and beautiful.
My favorite of Wang’s paintings was Peony, the Wealth 1.The pastel colors and the softness of the flowers made me feel at peace.
Another piece in the gallery that I found myself drawn to was Uncertainty Red by Last, which evoked a feeling of power and really resonated with me.
It was also intriguing that the piece was created digitally.
“A data program is running and at some point I have to decide the image is what I want it to be and I stop it,” Last said.
From paintings and pottery to 3-D printing and multimedia installations, there is something in “Salon des Refuses” for everyone.
The professors spend a large amount of their time teaching and sculpting the minds of art students, so it is nice to get to view some of their artwork.
The Fine Arts Gallery is open from 1-5 p.m. daily.
The Visual Arts Faculty Show runs through April 6.
Uncertainty Red by Last | Pacer Photo/Emily Wilson
