New art gallery connects students with community
Jason Seyler
Issue date: 10/1/09 Section: News
Homecoming festivities got under way as students, local residents and alumni gathered Friday evening for the unveiling of the new Bentley Art Gallery.
Located in the lower level of Bentley Dining Hall, the gallery is a collaboration of works from students, alumni, faculty and local artists.
"I was approached by the Homecoming Committee and they expressed an interest in creating an art event for the weekend," said Ray Heffner, art department chair. "I decided to have an exhibit in Bentley that would coincide with the outdoor festival and give our artists more exposure."
Tammy Rich, director of alumni relations, coordinated the program along with LHU Alumni Association President, Reed B. Mellinger.
"It was great to work with Ray (Heffner) on this project," said Mellinger, who is a member of the class of 1985. "The gallery is a nice connection between students, faculty, and alumni with members of the community coming together through art."
To help with the project, the committee invited Rich Wycoff of the Clinton County Arts Council, who helped with planning, gathering artist's works and setting up the gallery.
The works were gathered a week before the opening and the installation was done by the members of the Fine Arts Society, including Kristin Bone, Matt Williams and Kenton Clauson, and supervised by art professors Jason Bronner and Vance McCoy.
"Putting a show together is always an interesting process that involves trying to put the art works together in a way that will compliment each individual piece," said senior Kristin Bone, who is a member of the Fine Arts Society. "There was so much variety to this show that there's something for everyone to be able to connect with."
Some current student's works on display are digital art by Sean Maloy, photography by Nathan Fought, paintings by Ligon McMurry, drawings by Andrew Richards, abstract wood constructions by Jeanney Wharton and pottery by Rebecca Forbes.
The largest piece of the gallery is Untitled by alumn Justin Chirico, who now works as an artist in New York City. Created in 2002, Chirico's piece was located in the PUB at one time before renovations left it homeless until Heffner was able to find it a home in Bentley.
Located in the lower level of Bentley Dining Hall, the gallery is a collaboration of works from students, alumni, faculty and local artists.
"I was approached by the Homecoming Committee and they expressed an interest in creating an art event for the weekend," said Ray Heffner, art department chair. "I decided to have an exhibit in Bentley that would coincide with the outdoor festival and give our artists more exposure."
Tammy Rich, director of alumni relations, coordinated the program along with LHU Alumni Association President, Reed B. Mellinger.
"It was great to work with Ray (Heffner) on this project," said Mellinger, who is a member of the class of 1985. "The gallery is a nice connection between students, faculty, and alumni with members of the community coming together through art."
To help with the project, the committee invited Rich Wycoff of the Clinton County Arts Council, who helped with planning, gathering artist's works and setting up the gallery.
The works were gathered a week before the opening and the installation was done by the members of the Fine Arts Society, including Kristin Bone, Matt Williams and Kenton Clauson, and supervised by art professors Jason Bronner and Vance McCoy.
"Putting a show together is always an interesting process that involves trying to put the art works together in a way that will compliment each individual piece," said senior Kristin Bone, who is a member of the Fine Arts Society. "There was so much variety to this show that there's something for everyone to be able to connect with."
Some current student's works on display are digital art by Sean Maloy, photography by Nathan Fought, paintings by Ligon McMurry, drawings by Andrew Richards, abstract wood constructions by Jeanney Wharton and pottery by Rebecca Forbes.
The largest piece of the gallery is Untitled by alumn Justin Chirico, who now works as an artist in New York City. Created in 2002, Chirico's piece was located in the PUB at one time before renovations left it homeless until Heffner was able to find it a home in Bentley.
Be the first to comment on this story