ART GALLERY TO FEATURE NATIONAL CERAMICS INVITATIONAL
LA CROSSE, Wis.— The Viterbo College Art Department Gallery will present "Uncommon Vision: A National Ceramics Invitational" beginning 7:30- 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27 and running through Tuesday, Nov. 23.
The show, which features artwork by 18 ceramists from across the United States and includes internationally recognized and emerging talents, will have an opening reception Monday, Nov. 1 from 7:30 until 9 p.m. A slide presentation, by guest artist Von Venhuizen, precedes the reception from 7-7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center, second floor, room 219.
Venhuizen, a former assistant professor at Michigan State University in East Lansing, draws inspiration from mechanical/industrial sources and uses slip-casting and press-molding techniques. By using molds, Venhuizen is able to cast clay and mimic the objects he is inspired by in order to create a new environment and new vision for viewers.
"What ties this eclectic group of artists together is clay, the material they have chosen. Traditional and non-traditional examples will be exhibited and contain aesthetics that range from beautiful to horrific," says Tom Bartel, an art professor at Viterbo College and curator of the art show.
In addition to Venhuizen and Bartel, the guest artists include: Kirk Mangus, Kent, Ohio; Eva Kwong, Kent, Ohio; John Goodheart, Bloomington, Ind.; Tim Mather, Bloomington, Ind.; Seo Eo, Greenville, N.C.; Jim Tisnado, Greenville, N.C.; Bill Hess, Basalt, Colo.; Candy Depew, Philadelphia, Pa.; Kevin Hughes, Vincennes, Ind.; Jennifer Lapham, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Paul Sacaridiz, Normal, Ill.; Dave Alban, Cleveland, Ohio; Megan Sweeney, Cleveland, Ohio; Karen Terpstra, La Crosse, Wis.; Amara Geffen, Meadville, Pa.; Mike Knox, La Crosse, Wis.
The reception and slide show are free and open to the public. There is no admission charge for entrance to the Gallery, which is located on the third floor of the Viterbo Fine Arts Center on the corner of Jackson and Ninth Streets. The Gallery is open during regular school hours or at other times by request.
The Viterbo College Art Department offers degree programs in Studio Arts, Art Education and Graphic Design.