The public is invited to the annual Faculty Art Exhibition at Concordia College, including the public reception, set for 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the Cyrus M. Running Gallery on campus. Artist remarks begin at 4:30 p.m.
The exhibition, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 27, and ends Tuesday, Feb. 24, will feature the recent work of Concordia art department faculty, including Ross Hilgers, Jessica Matson-Fluto, Chris Mortenson, Dwight Mickelson, and Heidi Allen, professor emerita.
Faculty members work in a variety of media, including clay, oil, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.
“Artists want to show their work and, as faculty, it’s up to us to mentor students toward being successful artists or, at the very least, individuals who can synthesize and feel fulfilled by art,” said Mortenson, associate professor of art and director of the Running Gallery.
At Concordia, art majors work toward their final senior shows, facing significant demands in terms of discipline and time, he explained.
“I think it’s important for us to show our work so that students can understand that we are also working through these processes in similar ways to what we are asking of them,” Mortenson added. “We are all here because we love art and we love making and thinking about art.”
“As a practicing artist alongside being a professor, it’s helpful for students to see the body of work the professor creates outside of classroom demos,” said Matson-Fluto, assistant professor of art. “With each piece, I’m actively exploring composition and technique while telling a story.”
She’ll be exhibiting pieces featuring chickens.
“It’s good for students to see their instructor experimenting, as it is an integral part of being an art student, as well as conceptual development, which I encourage my students to work toward and develop in their four years here,” Matson-Fluto said.
"I am always thrilled to exhibit with my colleagues here as they are a unique and talented group of artists working in a nice variety of mediums," said Mickelson, adjunct instructor. "Artist often work in seclusion, both mentally and physically, so it’s incredibly satisfying to exhibit and share work with the campus community."
Mickelson will be exhibiting sculpture and drawings based on his relationship to nature, particularly the forest. His work combines bronze, found roots and vegetation, natural pigments, beeswax, and pollen.
The Cyrus M. Running Gallery begins in the skyway that connects the Olin Art and Communications Center with the second floor of the Frances Frazier Comstock Theatre building. It is open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays.
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- The Cyrus M. Running Gallery