Faculty expose community to artwork during yearly gallery exhibit

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Faculty got an opportunity they only get once a year Thursday evening: To show off their art to family and friends on Central Michigan University’s campus.

About 12 artists, some from faculty, showed their works at the University Art Gallery to about 230 visitors.

“Art is a means of expression and communication,” said Anne Gochenour, director gallery. “This gallery allows students to learn and experience more. It also allows faculty artists to show students what they’ve been up to as well as other community members and faculty.”

The show, held once a year, features works from Steve Barber, Larry Burditt, Missa Coffman, Ryan Flesher, Kathy Jones, Jill Marie Mason, Clark Most, Kris Sanford, Shelley Stevens, Judy Thurston, Michael Volker and Margaret Ware.

Groups of students and faculty clustered around the interior of the gallery to discuss the artwork. Some of the mediums included oil on canvas, sculptures, stained glass hangings, graphic design, photography, and even a flashing red neon light saying, “Let’s plan our escape.”

Jill Marie Mason, who created the neon light, said her gallery pieces are inspired by a desire to escape into nature. She said her idea of escapism and utopia came from her camping experiences with her father in South Haven.

“Its unfortunate that culture and art seem to have a hierarchy — people may be intimated because they don’t think they can relate,” Mason said. “It is important for people to try new things. Art is not limited to those with natural ability. I may not draw, but if I practiced enough I could produce something with meaning,”

Assistant professor Steve Barber enjoyed compliments from students for his piece “Take the flight,” which was done by oil and wax on wood. His piece was dedicated to those struggling to escape negative situations such as domestic abuse.

“Art for me is an expression of how I feel,” Barber said. “It’s a visual diary and it’s healing power for me. Some people don’t know that art involves different forms of expression. I actually like to stand there and listen to what people say.”

The faculty exhibition is open until September 17. Visitation is free and the gallery is open Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Whether students attended the gallery for an introductory art course or to simply check things out, Gochenour said the reception was a success

“I stop by all the time,” said Rochester Hills junior Garret DeVoe. “I am an art major and a lot of my professors are featured so that’s pretty cool. I learned new creative strategies and also about how depth is used in painting.”