Finlandia University International School of Art & Design: Alumni Exhibit 2010
- Exhibit Dates: February 18 to March 24, 2010
- Opening Reception: Thursday, February 18, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.; Artist Talk begins at 7:15 p.m.
HANCOCK, MI – The Finlandia University International School of Art & Design (ISAD) will present its first alumni exhibit at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, from February 18 to March 24, 2010.
An opening reception for the artists will take place at the gallery Thursday, February 18, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. An artist talk will begin at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
In the 11 years since the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree program began at Finlandia University, 87 students have graduated in five concentration areas: Ceramic Design, Fiber Arts/Fashion Design, Interdisciplinary Design, Graphic Design, and Studio Arts.
The Alumni 2010 exhibit spotlights the current work of 22 Finlandia BFA graduates.
For 2004 BFA graduate Mike Godell, paintings evolve from doodles done while working as a graphic artist.
“My work is a place to rest; a place away from the exhausting qualities of the technologies that consume daily life,” says Godell. “Lost in the patterns, while recreating moments that have etched themselves into my consciousness, I weave sensations of excitement and serenity with a touch of magic.”
Melisa Gronowski (’08) may just use your trash to create her art. In pieces titled “Footprints,” Gronowski poses questions about the environment and recycling.
“When you walk through the trash and rubble, do you leave footprints… or do you just add to the destruction?” Gronowski asks. “We tell ourselves, ‘Someone else will take care of it.’ What happens when an entire society begins to think that way? What are we left with?”
Robert Lake (’07) sees his design work as purposeful. “Through all the struggles I have been faced with I still wake up every day with the passion to design and create art,” Lake notes. “I give thanks to God for giving me this gift to make the world better by not creating objects but tools for life.”
Since graduating in 2009, fiber artist Chaslyn Duffek has started an environmentally conscious business called Wool Origins. “Embracing a conscious awareness of the environment and producing functional, one-of-a-kind interior textiles is the foundation of my art,” Duffek explains. “Designing and constructing each piece individually by hand ensures a non-toxic, eco-friendly process that requires full attention to excellence and detail.”
Additional mediums included in the Alumni Exhibit 2010 include ceramic design, installation art, fashion design, painting, drawing, and art made from recycled materials.
The Finlandia University International School of Art & Design Alumni Exhibit 2010 will be on display until March 24, 2010.
The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment. Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.
Photo Cutlines:
1: Ansley Knoch, Costumes designed for Shoebox Tour Iceland 09
2: Alex Zablocki, Ceramic cups
3: Kawo Miwa, Snow Covered Walk
4: Mike Godell, Owl Tree Bubble
5: Stephanie Lake, Logo Design for Art on the Rocks
Please contact karen.johnson@finlandia.edu if you would like to receive high resolution files of the images.