The Steckline Gallery at Newman University will feature a group exhibit of mixed media artworks curated by Matt Hilyard called “HE,” beginning with an opening reception at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 25. The show will run through Friday, April 22.
An “Art for Lunch” featuring discussion of the works in the exhibit will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 29 in the gallery. A light lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The opening reception, “Art for Lunch,” and admission to the gallery are all free and open to the public.
“HE” is the first in a pair of complimentary exhibits based on works by artists of different genders. The second exhibit, “SHE,” will open April 29 and run through May 20. Newman Director of Visual Arts Mary Werner said the idea came to her as she was preparing this season’s Steckline Gallery schedule.
“These exhibits will be individually unique, highlighting the work of up and coming artists,” Werner said. “There will be no other theme than that the artists fit into their respective gender categories, and the work will reflect a range of disciplines and mediums, subjects and stories. I was immediately compelled to invite Matthew Hilyard to curate the HE exhibit, and I want to thank him for taking on the task with true dedication. This exhibit represents his enthusiasm for pulling together from every corner the talents and skills of artists for whom he is interested. It is an exhibit of the finest quality.”
Hilyard said he appreciated the opportunity to seek out work representing a wide range of styles.
“Not having one theme gave me the freedom to choose work that stimulates my eye,” Hilyard said. “An artist myself, I find it fascinating how we as artists view the world around us – how it informs our work and gives the viewer a unique perspective to consider. These artists are committed in their craft and art-making process and are willing to share their talents. In presenting each one with a venue to showcase their work I’m always grateful for their enthusiasm to do so.”
The show will feature works by the following artists:
- Steve Atwood – Wichita, Kan. 3-D
- Tom Budzak – Chandler, Ariz. Pottery
- Marc Durfee – Wichita 3-D
- Simone Frignani – Berlin, Germany Photography
- Brian Guidry – Loreauville, La. Painting
- Kevin Kelly – Wichita Painting
- Michael Krueger – Lawrence, Kan. Printmaking
- Robert Lansden – New Orleans, La. Drawing
- John Oehm – Wichita Painting
- Thomas Pathe – Pomona, Calif. Painting
- Michael Pointer – Wichita Photography
- David Potter – Jackson Heights, N.Y. Photography
- Daren Price – Miami, Fla. Painting
- Luke Rocha – Kansas City, Mo. Mixed Media
- Patric Rowley – Wichita Painting
- Kirk Stoller – San Fransico, Calif. 3-D
- Carlos Zervigon – New Orleans Glass
“Bringing artists together that normally wouldn’t be involved with each other has always been the one goal for me as a curator,” Hilyard said. “I continue to seek out individuals from the local art scene, nationally and internationally to bring to Kansas an opportunity for the public and students to experience a unique exhibition. The Midwest has so much to offer that we need to keep the dialogue going and reach out to let the world know we are here.”
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.
The “He” exhibit and the upcoming “She” exhibit were both featured in an article by the Wichita Eagle on Sunday, March 27. Read the story.
