The Newman University Steckline Gallery will present “Artists 5: Visual Enigma” by Frank Martinez and associates as the seventh show of its 2014-2015 season. The exhibit of ceramics, painting and other media, which begins with a Final Friday reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 27, will be on display through April 17. Both the reception and admission to the gallery are free and open to the public.
An “Art for Lunch” presentation by Martinez will be held Tuesday, Apr. 3 from noon to 1 p.m. in the gallery. A light lunch will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can also bring their lunch. This event is also free and reservations are not required.
Martinez was a ceramic instructor at Newman University for five years. Prior to that, Martinez received his bachelor’s degree in art and his master’s degree in education from Newman University. He now lives in Seattle, Wash.
Martinez began making pottery in 1990. His primary focuses are on the aesthetics and textures of his work, and he has received national attention for his work. In spring of 2010, Martinez’s work was featured in The Gallery of Clay Times Magazine – Ceramic Art Trends publication.
Martinez will present the “Artists 5: Visual Enigma” exhibit with fellow artists David Long, ceramic artist and Director of the Art Program at Bethel College in North Newton; Gary Lincoln, clay artist and professor at WSU; Jack Wilson, painter, photographer, and owner of Art and Frames, and Chris Ramirez, a graphic and tattoo artist based out of The Electric Chair in downtown Wichita. Martinez hopes the show will serve as a platform for local artists he holds in high esteem.
“If I’m going to do a show, I want to do a show with people I know have had some magnificent art to contribute,” Martinez said. “I want to be surrounded by people who are massive within their fields. This show, for me, is the show of all shows, the show of the year.”
The Steckline Gallery is located inside the De Mattias Fine Arts Center on the Newman campus, 3100 McCormick. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, call 316-942-4291, ext. 2199.
