On Friday from 5-7 p.m. the Lied Art Gallery will be holding an opening reception for “Visual Art Faculty: An Exhibition,” featuring the talents of the combined total of six professors, associate professors and adjunct faculty. This exhibition poses a tribute to the studio fine arts faculty, the very individuals who inspire and enable fine art students to succeed at Creighton University.
These teachers and mentors are responsible for aiding Creighton undergraduates, pursuing Bachelor Fine Arts degrees, helping them develop cognitive and affective skills among a variety of mediums.
Drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, photography — they reflect very individualistic talents, given their medium of expertise, yet celebrate common ground concerning their value of arts education and collaboration.
Known for his sculptures of clay, plaster and bronze — some of which can be seen on campus — faculty member Littleton Alston has maintained a studio in Omaha for more that 25 years. His works vary from real life portraits and mythological figures to memorial sculptures, such as the late Thomas Hunter whose dedication was held outside of the CUMC Cardiac Center in June 2010.
“The human form holds endless fascination for me,” Alston said. “It is this vehicle through which I believe can best express the joys and sorrows of the human condition.”
While Alston is currently on sabbatical and will not be able to attend, a few plaster busts will be featured in the exhibition in his name.
Associate professor of art Bob Bosco, who has been teaching painting, drawing and color theory classes at Creighton since 1976 while participating in more than 65 exhibitions, is known for his mixed media and watercolor pieces. More than 10 of his pieces can be viewed on display Friday.
Fine art photography professor the Rev. Michael Flecky S.J., experienced teaching film photography, criticism and history for the last 30 years, is well known for both his publications in photography and literary works. His “Sunset Drive-In” series is one of two series to be displayed Friday alongside “In the Presence of Trees,” a series of organic images portraying the elegant beauty of nature and spirituality.
“I have witnessed many dramatic experiences of awakening, conversion and fulfillment in the lives of students who have learned to see and appreciate life through their work as artists,” Flecky said. “These rich experiences bring me back to teaching each semester and cause me to wonder at the miracles that art produces on campus.”
Assistant professor and 1997 Creighton graduate Amy Nelson, who teaches all levels of ceramics including a service learning course. “Art and Civic Engagement: Empty Bowls,” will feature a ceramic piece alongside two clay prints. Actively involved in the Omaha arts community, most notably the Union of Contemporary Art where she serves as a mentor for the Young Artists program at the Kent Bellows Studio, her work reflects the same service learning principles she teaches.
“Whatever the form the work takes I continue to apply the underlying principle of artistic practice as a vehicle for social and political change,” Nelson said. “Currently, I am exploring how women view their potential political power … attempting to visually map social and political implications of women’s position in the civic arena.”
Adjunct faculty member Doug Schroder, also a participating faculty member at Duchesne Academy in Omaha, specializes in ceramics, teaching a range of wood and soda atmospheric kiln-firing techniques. Featured nationally in juried exhibitions across the U.S. and published in “500 Cups: Exploration of Utility and Grace,” he will features two red earthenware pieces in Friday’s exhibition.
The sixth and final faculty artist is John Thein, associate professor of art who currently teaches drawing and printmaking in Creighton’s Fine Art Department, will feature a single oil on canvas painting titled “Dragonfly.” Well- traveled, Thein has conducted classes in China, Guatemala, England and the Dominican Republic. His oil paints and watercolors are reputable for providing a rich and otherworldly perspective.
The quality of work, the span of experience and the variety of artistic mediums and perspectives displayed in this exhibition not only pose many different definitions of artistic expression, they pose tribute to the very people that are responsible for the success of future Creighton fine arts graduates.
Opening Friday and running through Dec. 7, the gallery will hold regular hours rom 1-4 p.m. following the reception opening.