Odyssey will be the next spring student art showcase, following the fall semester student art exhibition titled, “The Journey.” This exhibition seeks to emphasize the process of creating each piece rather than the final product alone. The art in this show comes from 12 students in this semester’s fiber arts class.
Fiber arts is more commonly recognized as textile art, a medium that joins fibers using techniques such as weaving, quilting, embroidery, dyeing, and knitting. Instead of focusing on the traditional branch of textiles that has a more functional purpose, and is typically described as decorative art, the class dives into linking art with a message, known as conceptual art. Terri Frew, Professor and Director of the Rozsa Gallery explained, “We’re using techniques from the realm of craft that historically has been decorative art to craft something conceptual.” This exhibition brings a unique variety of messages, from lighthearted pieces focusing on visual aesthetics to bold statements.
The main reception will be on Friday, Apr. 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Rozsa Art Gallery. The gallery will be open until Tuesday, Apr. 15. Its hours are Saturday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. The reception will feature a short opening talk, and a chance to meet all the participating artists. Free refreshments will be provided.
The class spends the semester building fundamental techniques and concepts to create textiles, then takes those building blocks into a final project to be presented at the spring show. The exhibition pushes students to make high quality art, while thinking about how an audience will interact with their piece. This gives emerging artists a chance to show off and talk about their work.
The exhibition is free for all to attend and there is no dress code. Visit the MTU events webpage for more information.
