School of FIne Arts

The faculty in the design department with the School of Fine Arts continue to develop and expand their work in exciting ways through noted exhibitions throughout the area.

Gina Westergard, associate professor of basic studies and metalsmithing and jewelry, and director of graduate studies in design, has been selected to participate in a juried member exhibition shown in conjunction with the Kansas Artist Craftsmen Association conference Oct 24 - 25 at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. in downtown Lawrence.

Westergard's piece in the show, "Back to the Garden," is a splendid, multi-colored funerary urn done in gleaming copper, gold leaf, palladium leaf, enamel paint and a taxidermist glass eye. It stands at 39" and is 11" in width. Read More

Visual art education students show KU presence at conference

The KU visual art education program enjoyed a strong showing Nov. 1 - 2, when the Kansas Art Education Association had its fall conference in Salina.

Four graduate students and five undergraduates attended the annual conference, which this year celebrated the theme, "First Things First: Building Foundations, Changing Lives."

"Participating in the art education conferences not only provides opportunities for professional development and networking for our students, it's a way KU can contribute to the quality of education in the state," said Liz Kowalchuk, associate professor of visual art education.

Students who represented KU at the conference, and their presentations, include:

• Natalie Aillon, graduate student, "Creative, Collaborative Communication": Aillon will present a hands-on workshop about mail art, its origins and the possibilities it offers for new forms of communication

• Beth Rowe, undergraduate, "Queen of Arts": Rowe will present a hands-on workshop about the history and design of playing cards.

• Cassie Sebring, undergraduate, "Industrial Photography": Sebring will present a lecture and criticism activity about the ways to interpret industrial photography in the classroom, focusing on the work of Lewis Hine, Bernd and Hilda Becher and Jet Lowe.

• Brian Pollack, undergraduate, "Installation Art: Space Materials and Function": A hands-on workshop about the history, function, and importance of art installation in the 21st century.

• Trishia Nelson, undergraduate, "Just Bead It": A workshop about beads in society that will include exploration of polyform clay.

• Erin Scott, undergraduate, "Tattoos: History and Temporary Solutions": A presentation about the art form of tattooing, including cross-cultural comparisons. Participants will experience a safe alternative with henna (Mehndi) and other removable tattoos.

• Graduate students Margaret Schramm, Beth Gamber and Deena Amont, "Confronting the Challenges for First Year Teachers": Schramm, Gamber and Amont will present at more scholarly look at the challenges beginning teachers face with Joyce Huser, Fine Arts Consultant for the Kansas State Department of Education, and Kowalchuk. The presentation will provide advice and suggestions for meeting the challenges of classroom management, lesson implementation, locating resources and establishing an art program within a school.

The Kansas Art Education Association is dedicated to the advancement of human and cultural understanding through the study of art by providing opportunities for professional growth and development, exchange of knowledge and ideas, service and leadership for the advancement of quality art education.

For more information about the conference and its participants, the public may call the Departments of Art and Design, (785) 864-4401.

Visit the School of Fine Arts website for more information.