The Art Preview is an annual event at Eastern Michigan University. In all, there are four art shows that are to take place in the University Gallery and Ford Hall. This year expect to see everything from drawing, printmaking, photography, fiber art and even music.
The first Art Preview will take place on Sept. 6 at the University Gallery, located inside EMU’s Student Center. Titled “The Great Lakes Drawing Biennial,” this show is a juried competition that highlights artistic activity related to contemporary drawing. The theme is basically art in various forms such as charcoal, paper, hanging paper and pen.
There will be about 40-45 pieces in the show, including a seven-foot tall drawing. The reception for this event will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Sept. 22.
On Oct. 28 the University Gallery will hold its second exhibition, “New Fibers 2010,” a show held every two years. It is juried from a national group of applicants with all of the artwork being fiber related. This includes weavings and sculptures all created using fiber as the main material.
Among the people to show this year in the “New Fibers 2010 Exhibition” is Lois Bryant, who has displayed her work at Eastern since entering the Masters’ in Fine Arts program here. Because she was interim faculty in fibers, her work was also displayed in a faculty show. Before this, she showed in the “New Fibers 2008 Exhibition.”
“Pursuing my MFA at Eastern has been a very positive and enriching experience. I chose Eastern because of its excellent faculty and facilities.” Bryant said. “I was especially excited about weaving on Eastern’s state-of-the-art, computerized Jacquard loom. But I’ve also experimented with other media as well.”
Jacquard is the control mechanism of a Jacquard loom; a fabric of intricate variegated weave or pattern.
Bryant’s piece for this year’s “New Fibers” is a Jacquard weaving entitled “Space.” The idea of this art is based on a photograph Bryant took of an asphalt parking lot.
“This weaving is composed of many individual threads, arranged according to a complex, logical plan,” Bryant said.
Her latest works include video, along with materials such as plastic bottles and black lights.
Lois Bryant admires the work of such artists as Louise Nevelson, Georgia O’Keefe and Ellen Wilt. She is also this year’s Ellen Wilt Scholar here at Eastern.
“I am inspired by women artists who actively pursue their art into their old age,” Bryant said.
Bryant’s Masters Thesis Show will be held at Ford Gallery’s second exhibition from Nov. 29 to Dec. 10.
Brooks Stevens, chair of New Fibers 2010 is among those who work closely with Gallery Director Greg Tom and the Arts and Exhibitions Committee within the art department.
Stevens has selected Tracy Krumm as the juror for this exhibition, working closely with her during the entire process.
“She has juried the work for the exhibition which was an arduous task since there were 846 images to jury. That is the largest number of entries in the history of the exhibition!” Steven said. “I have also helped to arrange Krumm’s visit to choose the selected award prizes. It will be done in person and be presented during the exhibition opening Oct. 28.”
Ford Gallery will have its first exhibition opened on Oct.13 entitled “New Faculty Exhibition.” This show will feature new photography from Jason Denmark, along with printmaking from other artists.
Music will also be featured at the Ford Gallery beginning Nov. 18.
Greg Tom, the new gallery programs director, is responsible for overseeing the Ford Gallery and University Gallery, the Art Department lecture series, and the University Art Collection.
Tom describes the music feature as a highlight event for Amplifying the Arts, which is put on annually by the arts management program in collaboration with the students. At this event graduates will be able to open their studios so people can walk around and view their work.
The music gallery will feature Frank Paul, who works with hand-built instruments that actually play by themselves. It will feature Paul Bansel, who rocks out on stage playing several instruments, mixing the sounds of all those instruments as he plays them. He switches it up by immediately playing guitar or bass while the music continues to layer. Both of these artists use automation in their music.
Tom describes the art this year as not being museum shows. Most of it is very contemporary.
“You get to see stuff you’ve never seen before, see if you’re interested in checking it out.”
“One thing we try to do is strive to give students a very contemporary picture of what’s going on in the art world, trying to get you to see the new stuff whether it’s new art or new drawings from students or professors from other schools” Tom said.
These events are open and free to the public, and a catalog will be produced in about a week, which will include all the events listed.
For more information on the Art Preview, visit the Ford Gallery website: http://www.emich.edu/fordgallery/ or call (734)-487-0465 for details on all the upcoming art galleries.
