The Steckline Gallery at Newman University will feature works of pottery and photography in its upcoming exhibit. “Big Ditch Pottery” by David Long and “Our Secret Garden” by Madi and Heather Broddle will be on display beginning with an opening reception at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25 and will run through Friday, March 18.
An “Art for Lunch” featuring discussion of the works will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1. 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.
“Big Ditch Pottery” by David Long is a collection of ceramics ranging from small items such as teapots to large bottle forms.
“This collection of work embodies my interest in surface texture and wood-fired ceramics,” said Long. Long has two wood-fired kilns that give him a number of creative options. With his smaller kiln, he can fire one of his creations in only eight hours. The larger kiln not only takes more time, but also “provides a bit more mystery,” said Long. “I’m never sure what to expect when I open the kiln door.”
“Our Secret Garden” features the photography of Madi and Heather Broddle. Hoping to give viewers a more intricate view of floral beauty, the photographers say the images “slow the glance down to a studied reflection of the minute details. We focus the viewers’ attention on subtleties often overlooked in a simple passing.”
The artists also hope the photographs inspire their admirers to read their own interpretations into the pictures.
“We are not looking for a consensus of definition, but instead challenge the viewer to generate a very personal response to what they experience.”
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.
