Jessica Van Swol - Ears: The New Fingerprint

The Governors State University Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “Ears: The New Fingerprint,” a show of recent work by ceramic sculptor and installation artist Jessica Van Swol. Her “Ears: The New Fingerprints” installation brings into focus the unique details of ears that show individuality in even such a small part of the human body.
November 21 – December 3, 2008. Reception: Sunday, November 23rd, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Blurring the line between artistic inspiration and scientific investigation, Jessica Van Swol uses the form of the human ear as a metaphor for individuality and identity in the social sphere. Despite being composed of the same 13 elements, when displayed in comparison with one another, subtle distinctions begin to emerge revealing the peaks, valleys, and shadows of the ear unique to the individual.

Jessica Van Swol grew up in the south Chicago suburb, Frankfort Square, where she is completing a Masters program for sculpture at Governor’s State University, University Park, IL.

Artsfest

Our annual Artsfest is an all-day celebration of the arts here at GSU. Presented by the College of Arts and Sciences & Student Involvement and Engagement, Artsfest is an opportunity for family members, prospective students, and members of the surrounding communities to see what out art program is all about. Events planned for this year include: Workshops in ceramics, digital imaging, enhancing creativity, film-making, mosaic-making, painting, photography, poetry, and printmaking; Collaborative art happenings; Art history and creativity round table discussions; Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park mini-tours; Alive musical performance; A student art exhibition and reception; and much more. To find out more about what's happening, check out gsuartsfest.blogspot.com

Lenore Lopez - Migration and Immigration

The artwork of Lenore Lopez of Blue Island, will be presented at the Visual Arts Gallery from October 23 – November 5, 2008.

Migration and Immigration explores the complex issue of immigration and the subsequent problems related to border crossing through a combination of media, from traditional still life to installation pieces. “The message of my work is to create awareness of the complexity, tragedy, and humanity involved in the immigration of both the documented and the undocumented immigrants,” says Lopez.

A public reception with the artist in attendance will take place on October 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Alonzo Balderas - Waiting for a Renaissance

Waiting for a Renaissance: The Southeast Side, an art exhibition by Alonso Balderas, will be on display from October 13 to 22, in the Visual Arts Gallery. A reception celebrating Balderas work will be held on October 17, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the gallery.

The photomontages and collages on exhibit consist of vintage black and white and contemporary color photographs pieced together to create a provoking, political commentary on Chicago’s southeast side.

Balderas is a native the southeast side who works to bring change to his former community. He is currently in the process of completing his Master’s of Fine Arts degree at GSU. Balderas teaches English and theater arts at J. Sterling Morton High School in Berwyn.

Regional Art Faculty Exhibition

A group exhibition consisting of the works of Illinois college and university faculty will be open to the public September 8 through October 3, 2008 in the Visual Arts Gallery.

Among many others, exhibiting artists include, Javier Chavira, Carrie Ohm, Cole Robertson, Jean Janssen, Harley McDaniel, Heather Page, Michael Hart, Lou Sheilds, Beth Parin, Paul Rinaldi, Sergio Gomez, William Greiner, Gary Thomas, and Joseph Rejholec.

Visiting Artist: Harley McDaniel - String Theory

July 14 through July 31, 2008.

McDaniel brings an aesthetic awareness to common, overlooked elements of daily life. His String Theory transforms bailing twine from mundane, utilitarian material into an evocative, tactile art experience. The simple, meditative, and playful installation is informed by a Zen Buddhist concern for mindfulness. McDaniel hopes to draw attention to the richness of daily life and the unexpected beauty of the material world.

Harley McDaniel completed his BFA from Bowling Green State University and his MFA from Miami University in Oxford, OH. He is currently Assistant Professor of Art at Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, IL.

Harley McDaniel