The Kittredge Gallery sits tucked next to the Student Diversity Center and the ceramics building. Within it, until Nov. 5, the University of Puget Sound faculty has a chance to “Show and Tell” in their own art exhibit.
Professor of Art John McCuistion, Associate Professor Janet Marcavage, Professor of Sculpture Michael Johnson, Associate Professor of Art Elise Richman and Professor Becky Frehse are all showcasing their personal work in a vast range of mediums.
“Each of them has something different to offer,” Gallery attendant Jill Sanford said. “It’s interesting to see how different the styles of the professors are.”
In the large gallery Rehse, McCuisition, and Johnson present a refreshing perspective and vision of plywood, ceramics and musical instruments.
Upon entering the gallery, you are greeted by the vision of professor of Sculpture, Johnson’s work. The diverse flows and creations of plywood give a unique and finished quality to his work, with a serene sense to them as well.
To the left of the large gallery, Mc Cuisition’s ceramic creations are displayed. The ceramic figures feature different mediums accenting the ceramic figure like cloth, paint, feathers and duct tape.
In line with the “Show and Tell” theme, McCuisition tells the story of others from his own perspective.
“These sculptures, part of my ‘G.I. Series,’ were inspired by what I felt was disingenuous information on the part of the U.S. government,” McCuisition said in his artistic statement displayed in the gallery.
The right of the gallery features Rehse’s “instrumental” recreations, which showcase various musical instruments transformed into works of art. Some instruments are rearranged physically, or feature artistic accents within them.
One of her pieces, entitled, “Playing by Heart,” is a cello painted lavishly in cool colors, and by peering within the cello you can see a “hidden treasure” of trinkets.
The smaller gallery presents a very bright and colorful collection of artwork. Richman and Marcavage “show and tell” their various pieces that utilize paint and printed patterns.
Elise Richman’s collection uses water-based, oil and acrylic paint in a way that very few people have seen it used. Instead of painting few layers, Richman’s use of paint gives the spectator a three-dimensional perspective of the painting itself.
Richman’s art “reflects the forces of nature and captures a state of flux,” her artistic statement said.
The rest of the small gallery features Marcavage’s prints.
Many of the prints feature checkered, striped, cloudy or floral patterns mixed with different “homey” motifs.
A print entitled “Home,” mixes images of stripes, clouds and checkered patterns to create a bright and whimsical feel.
The display of the faculty’s artwork is a privilege that does not arrive often, so make use of the time you have to see it.
Visit the “Show and Tell” exhibit at Kittredge Gallery Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or on Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibit will close Nov. 5.
PHOTO COURTESY/KATHY GINSBURG
