Local Art Seen: Student Show at the Kruk

Amanda Reese, Times Ticking (detail) -- Mixed Media

Student shows are always a rewarding experience for artists who were once student artists themselves. One can hardly view the work of students without thinking of the art exhibitions you were in when young. I was striving to be an art major at Ohio University, honored that a few of my instructors even remembered me year later, honored that one of my paintings had been selected to be hung in Chubb Hall, the admin building.

This was juried exhibition and students whose works passed the audition were here displayed in the Kruk Gallery. The exhibition showcases work from across a range of mediums. This year’s juror is UWS alumni and nationally recognized encaustic artist, Natalie Salminen Rude who has been working professionally in the arts since 2004. She maintains a studio, teaches encaustic workshops both locally and internationally, exhibits and facilitates discussions on spirituality and shares what it means to live as an artist within the context of commitment. Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday, 2-6:00 p.m.; Awards Reception: March 25, 12 noon; On View: March 5-26

What follows are my weak efforts to capture some of this show. I strongly encourage you to see the work in person. I once saw Michelangelo's incredible Pieta in person and I can tell you it moved me deeply in ways unexpected. Ever since, I've always felt that what you see in a book or online is just a shadow of what you will find in person.

Britta Bergstrom: "Hello, is this Jonathan?"

Sonia Fields--"Clementine"

Sonia Fields -- Krowki (Little Cows) -- Not a photo. Ballpoint pen drawing. (Must see.)

Daniel Murphy, Untitled series.

Sam Nye -- Untitled

Emily Koch -- Jester

Emily Koch -- Royalty

Jack Hanson -- Untitled

Mathew Tappe -- Ancestry

Ethan Streblow -- Acadenics (cropped)

It was through a student show that I met Ian Welshons, who illustrated my story A Remarkable Tale from the Land of Podd. And student shows bring to mind some of the instructors from my years at Ohio U, people like Gary Pettigrew, Ron Koutrel and Frank Holmes. What these students are doing is only the beginning of a much longer journey. It will be interesting to see how they develop, not only as artists but as creative people.

The show will be on display through March 26.

Related Links 
Illustrations by Ian Welshons, Remarkable Tale from the Land of Podd
Frank Holmes, an early influence
Ron Koutrel, Ohio U art prof
The Many Faces of Ennyman
The Creative Urge

Local Art Seen: Superior High School Student Art at the Red Mug

"Caged in a Free World" by Rachel Dixon

"Youth has no age, and art has no limitations."

Rachel Dixon

On Tuesday this past week the Red Mug hosted an opening reception for a group show featuring artwork by the students of Superior High School. The show was a treat, featuring work by Sarah Urban, Rachel Dixon, Quintana M. Walker, Bailey Lavallee, Monica Soland, Karlie Mattson, Robby McGrady, Netahlia Walker, Sami Lego, Naomi Lear, Ayla Androsky, Philip McCotter, Nicole McGuirk, and Benjamin Buchanan.

The show came about when Naomi Lear, who contributed three thought-provoking paintings, encouraged her art teacher Denise Schraufnagel to pull this together. Schraufnagel teaches 2-D advanced classes and Lear has been a student of hers this past year. The seed for this idea was planted by Naomi's father.

Each of Naomi Lear's pieces were painted in black and white with only one element in color -- in one instance yellow flower, in another a blue balloon and in the third a red umbrella. Although the skill with which the paintings were made is evident, it was the absurd juxtaposition of elements in these paintings that invites further engagement by viewers. When I inquired about the title Waabi-Saabi for the painting with the flower she said it's a Japanese word meaning, "accepting the natural cycle of growth and decay."

Naomi Lear's "Waabi-Saabi"

There were many pieces that left you wondering more about the backstory, such as Rachel Dixon's pandas or Sami Lego's "Icarus." The works showed more than skilled execution. It also showed that the students are getting exposure to a wide range of media as there were also prints and a superfine piece by Nicole McGuirk on clay scratchboard.

Of special note, The Red Mug is donating 100% of the commissions from sales back to the high school art program. (Thank you, Suzanne.)

Enjoy these selections here, though even better would be to visit the Red Mug sometime this month for lunch and a leisurely tour of its walls and halls.

"Japanese Dojo" -- Linoleum print by Qunitana M. Walker

"Painted Indian Elephant" by Quintana M. Walker

Naomi Lear

Robert McGrady

Meantime art goes on all around you. Celebrate it.

"Icarus" by Sami Lego

Untitled watercolor by Netahlia Walker

Untitled clay scratchboard, Nicole McGuirk