Bruce Van Osdel, ceramics artist, will exhibit his art pieces in “Revolution; Evolution” at the Steckline Gallery at Newman University. The exhibit, which begins with a Final Friday reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 25, will run through Nov. 22. Both the reception and admission to the gallery are free and open to the public.
An “Art for Lunch” presentation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 with the artist and Newman Director of Visual Arts Mary Werner. 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.
“The show ‘Revolution; Evolution’ was inspired by my contemplation of the past, present and future,” Van Osdel said, “where I have taken my work in the past stylistically, formally, and contextually, where the work is now in the present, and where the work will evolve in the future. Much like many aspects of life we draw from the past to work into the future.”
Van Osdel has been a ceramic artist for 30 years. He graduated in 1989 from Wichita State University with a Master of Fine Arts degree.
“One of the most important aspects for me as a ceramic artist is the ability of the clay to be formed and molded into whatever creative avenue I pursue,” Van Osdel said.
Van Osdel draws his inspiration from nature and the forces present around us. “Whether on the form or the surface of the piece, in reference to both historical and contemporary issues, I often draw inspiration from nature or manmade artifacts,” Van Osdel said. “There is often juxtaposition between these issues that culminates in the push and pull, the balance or imbalance, both compositionally and formally.”
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.
