Getting artistic with Andrea

Andrea Myers is among the many Artists in Residence since 1992 to show work on campus.

Her theme for this exhibition is ‘Remnants and Residues.’

Myers’ work will be on display through Saturday in the West Gallery.

The AIR program brings an artist to the university for either a semester or an entire academic year on an annual basis.

“The intent is to allow students access to working artists that bring ideas and experiences from working studios to the classroom,” said Al Wildey, Art Department chairman.

Every AIR is brought to CMU to present a new artistic perspective and to instruct a course not already a part of the current established curriculum.

“Typically an AIR teaches a special topics course in their area of specialty,” Wildey said.

Myers, who has previously studied with the Art Institute of Chicago, is teaching Perception in Contemporary Art Practices this semester.

She said the class covers a variety of subjects regarding general perception and every class is relatively small.

“I really get to know my students,” she said. “It’s a pretty wide open class.”

About 20 miles east of campus, Myers lives in a university-provided house along the Chippewa River. She said has found a large amount of inspiration for her work from the natural scenery and wooded environment.

The exhibition contains a dozen pieces, several of which underwent layering before they were finally complete.

Cindy Keefe, West and Main University Galleries director, said Myers’ exhibit includes print-made pieces, paper pieces and painted work, as well as layered collages.

“One (piece) is large, encompasses six feet and looks like a volcano,” she said. “I like the torn paper pieces.”

AIR candidates are considered by the Art Department the academic year prior to when the chosen artist comes to work at the university.

“Programmatic needs and direction are a major factor in these considerations,” Wildey said. “The process for hiring an Artist in Residence is similar to hiring a part time faculty member.”

Usually an ad is placed for the position with its requirements, and a hiring committee is created to review candidates. A short list is made and shown to the faculty before an overall vote is taken.

Every AIR gives a public talk in addition to showing work in an exhibition. Artists in Residence are typically very active around campus during their time with CMU, Wildey said.

“Faculty and students from throughout the Department of Art meet and interact with the Artist in Residence on a regular basis,” he said.

The AIR program is named for Stephen L. Barstow, a local architect who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright.

Barstow designed the house which was used as his firm until his death in 1992, that all AIRs live in. An endowment left from the estate directly funds the AIR program for every resident.

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