The Newman University Steckline Gallery will present “Interpersonal” by Gregory Folken as the fifth show of its 2015-2016 season. The exhibition of paintings, which begins with a Final Friday reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, will be on display through Feb. 19. Both the reception and admission to the gallery are free and open to the public.
An “Art for Lunch” presentation by the artist will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2 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.
Folken is a Wichita resident who creates paintings as well as drawings and monotype prints. The “Interpersonal” exhibition will feature all new work. Like much of Folken’s work, the paintings in the exhibition will all be black and white.
“My work is about the search for meaning beyond the surface of everyday life,” Folken said. “It begins by placing myself in front of another being. I meditate on thoughts, feelings, and the reasons behind them. I draw and wipe into black ink, peering into the darkness to search and reveal inherent beauty and mystery. The lack of color resonates the directness and sincerity essential to introspection. Through the examination of interpersonal connections, in particular my own with others, a broader understanding of myself and the world around me is achieved.”
Folken has exhibited his work at galleries, festivals, juried exhibitions and businesses in Kansas, Texas and other states, and has won many awards. In June, he received the Best of Show award at Liberty Arts Squared Art Festival in Liberty, Mo.
Folken received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art – Printmaking from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, Texas, in 2006. In 2015, he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art – Printmaking from Wichita State University, where he also worked as a graduate teaching assistant and art instructor. He is currently a lecturer in art at WSU and Emporia State University.
For more information on Folken, visit his web site at www.gregoryfolken.com.
The Steckline Gallery is located inside the De Mattias Fine Arts Center on the Newman University campus at 3100 McCormick, Wichita, KS, 67213. The gallery is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, or by appointment. For more information, call (316) 942-4291, ext. 2199.
