Friday, March 9, through Saturday, April 7
Opening Reception: March 9, 5 p.m.
Augustana College Teaching Museum of Art, 3703 Seventh Avenue, Rock Island IL
In the first exhibition by Augustana College faculty since 2014, Material Conversations – on display at the Augustana Teaching Museum of Art from March 10 through April 7 – will showcase works produced in a multitude of media and spanning various topics including life, identity, and the universe, perfectly underscoring the falsehood behind the phrase “those who can't do, teach.”
“It’s important for our students to see that the faculty is engaged in what they teach beyond how it's manifested in the classroom,” said Dr. Megan Quinn, professor of studio art at Augustana. “For staff and faculty, the show documents some of the depth of our community and it tries to engage the viewers in conversations with materials and ideas.”
Material Conversations offers an opportunity to view and engage with not only local artists, but artists integral to supporting the evolution of Augustana’s studio art and graphic-design students. The show will highlight eight faculty members of Augustana’s art department, including Kelvin Mason and Vickie R. Phipps of the graphic-design program, and Megan Quinn, Trew Schriefer, Rowen Schussheim-Anderson, Corrine Smith, Ronda Wright-Phipps, and Peter Tong Xiao of the studio-art program. “It's a meaningful and enjoyable way to get to know faculty better,” said art history and English student Katie Gorzek, for whom the excitement of the exhibition rests in the faculty’s willingness to share their creative pallet with students.
An opening reception for Material Conversations will take place at 5 p.m. on March 9, with brief remarks by exhibiting artists scheduled for 6 p.m. Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. or through appointment, and more information on the art museum's events is available by calling (309)794-7469 or visiting Augustana.edu.
