The Ferris Fine Art Gallery is located in the David L. Eisler Center.
2019
November 11th – December 12th, 2019 Reception & Talk with the Artists: November 14th 5-6:30 Matt Schenk, Damian Goidich, Taylor Mazer Incoherent Thing War: A Useless Analysis
Three Michigan artists come together for a unique take on the current state of our
world, from apocalyptic fears and repressed anxiety to the legacy of what humanity
has wrought. The paintings, drawings and sculptures of Matthew Schenk confront the
viewer with America’s insecurities about the apocalyptic Bogeyman and its visual symbols.
Damian Goidich’s paintings and mixed media pieces delve into the fragmentation of
our cultural norms, beliefs and identities that create an underlying cultural distress
and existential turmoil. The pen and ink urban environmental drawings of Taylor Mazer
contemplate a world devoid of human presence and asks us to consider what is left
after humanity has disappeared.
October 2nd – Nov 2nd, 2019 Electric Dreams 3.0 Nemanja Rosic - Paintings
My paintings portray the micro-circuit: its physicality and, to me, an appealing pictorial
strength. Similar to Peter Haley’s abstract experiments, James Sienna’s pattern-based
paintings, or Piet Mondrian’s design-oriented work, I strive to turn these portraits
into visually powerful macro-objects. In so doing, I seek to assign greater significance
to a chip beyond just its functionality and use my artistic practice to marvel at
the importance of science for the existence of contemporary society. On slim-profiled
aluminum, similar to the factory printing process, I transfer the chosen chip design
onto the acrylic glaze film exposing the sections and channels. The channels have
a networked appearance, resembling the micro-wires of the chip circuitry. After these
sections and channels have been colored, the work becomes a large painted image of
the miniature conductors of the circuit. -Nemanja
August 26th – September 28th, 2019 Reception: September 5th, 5-6:30pm with Artist Interview at 5:30pm Persistence of Vision: Ferris Journeys Al Wildey - Photography
Ferris Journeys is an extension of the series Persistence of Vision, a suite of images
comprised of digital photographs created as a series of progressive images referencing
the façade of motion as in film or video--by a method of merging multiple photographic
layers into a solitary image. Notwithstanding the product of a single, static picture,
the resulting image implies movement through physical space over extended time as
generally accepted photographically. The cumulative effect--implemented via an additive
process--is produced by traveling in a circular path around the primary subject in
an effort to surpass casual observation by injecting a sense of examination.
Subject matter is restricted to man-made objects with the aim of connecting the artificial
construct of both functional and formal pieces with the configuration of ‘camera vision’
as typically perceived within the photographic image writ large.
Al Wildey
June 10th -August 16th, 2019 J.J. L’Heuruex Faces from the Southern Ocean
Artist and naturalist J.J. L’Heureux has traveled to Antarctica seventeen times since
2000, documenting the landscape, the creatures that live there, and attempts at human
habitation. She recently returned home to open several exhibitions at museums and
galleries across the United States.
J.J. L’Heureux is a visual artist based in Venice, CA who makes documentary-style
photographs, as well as paintings and collages. She is an environmentalist who is
interested in the micro and the macro. This has led her to photograph both near and
far — the community around her Venice Beach studio and the exotic Antarctic landscap
April 11th – May 27th, 2019 Reception: April 11th 5-7pm Steve Barber Myths, Monsters, and Mystery
The unique style of Steve Barber’s encaustic scratchings is a gorgeous blend of rich
color, texture, and form. The exhibition Myths, Monsters, and Mystery is full of
fierce and fantastical creatures inspired by Norse, Greek and Celtic mythology. Barber
brings these characters into our world to addresses timeless sociological issues such
as greed, honor, trust, and many other profound conditions of the human experience.
March 4th – April 6th, 2019 Reception: March 7th 5-7pm Shelley Newman Stephens An Army of Women
This ongoing series of work titled An Army of Women portrays women of all ages as
the strong, intelligent and courageous beings they are. Such women are often overlooked
and underestimated within our culture's political structure, business and organizational
leadership, and decision-making roles. These paintings are meant to call out the
visibility and the enormous value of capable women everywhere who possess the qualities
of intelligence, wisdom, skill, knowledge and experience which translate to a true
and lasting female beauty. Watch this army grow...
January 14th – February 23rd, 2019 Reception: February 15th 5-7pm with David Pilgrim Hateful Things and More
From Aunt Jemima advertisements to the board game Ghettopoly, American popular culture
is replete with racist images. The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia features
an extensive collection of racist objects that trace the history of the caricaturing
and stereotyping of African Americans. The museum, located at Ferris State University,
is offering "Hateful Things," a traveling exhibition of these images to further the
museum's mission of stimulating the scholarly examination of historical and contemporary
expressions of racism, as well as promoting racial understanding and healing.
The current exhibition will also include a small selection of photographs from two
recent donations to the museum: David Levinthal’s Blackface series and Bruce Davidson’s
iconic civil rights images
October 23rd – December 15th, 2018 Reception:October 25th 5-7pm Tatsuki Hakoyama The Space Between
The Space Between is a series of oil paintings that reflect on the search for balance
between oppositions, with an emphasis on the contradicting nature of traditional and
contemporary lifestyles. Especially with globalization that allows for cross-cultural
interactions, my goal is to search for the ideal balance of the different cultures
that contribute to the ‘third-space’ as discussed by Homi Bhabha.
2018
September 4th – October 13th Loralee Grace, Randall David Tipton, Tom Tomasek H2O
Water is our life force. It is in us and all around us. We are born from it and we
interact with it every single day of our lives. It is metaphor to the poet and inspiration
to the artist. It is healing, cleansing, refreshing. Every single drop is precious.
This exhibition honors water from creeks to rivers to wide blue oceans. In partnership
with Artworks during their exhibition of the Smithsonian Waterways.
May 15 - July, 2018 Dorothy Milton Collection
Part of Ferris State University’s permanent collections, the Milton Collection contains
52 prints collected and donated by Dorothy Milton. Artists represented include Salvador
Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Paul Cezanne
March 12 – April 20, 2018 Opening Reception: April 5th 5-7PM The Best of Michigan Brew Labels
Small craft brewers have become very popular and profitable. Along with creating the
best brew, small brewers are not only interested in eye catching labels, they also
want to provide the story of their brand, share their interests, inspiration, and
showcase their unique personality. A strong theme and set of images on their labels
is an important way for small breweries to stand out. Often using professional designers,
design firms, or working with artists, craft brewers are not afraid to try new things
for the sake of their label. This exhibition will showcase the art of the Label from
hand selected regional brewers.
January 19 – Feb 28, 2018 Reception & Presentation: January 26th 5-7PM Indie Incubator: From Poem to 3D Print
Illustration by Emmylou Smith KCAD Life Drawing Illustration
Featuring the art of four Ferris and Kendall colleges and disciplines, Indie Incubator:
From Poem to 3D Print takes viewers on a journey from the spark of artistic inspiration
to final art product. Assistant Professor Dr. Deirdre Fagan’s Literature 231H students
led this collaboration with the artistic spark. Inspired by the current annual Ferris
theme as proposed by the Office of Multi-Cultural Student Services’ Beyond event,
the writing students drafted poems reflecting on four types of conflict: internal,
interpersonal, social, and existential. These poems were then sent to Professor Patricia
Constantine’s Illustration Life Drawing class at Kendall College of Art & Design.
There, students envisioned the voice of the poem and rendered two dimensional models.
The illustrations were then sent to Professor’s Mel Danes and Cari Mayle from the
Digital Animation & Design program. Their students selected the best of the illustrations
and worked to model them three dimensionally. The 3D models where printed by Professor’s
Mel Danes and Luke Hedman from the College of Engineering Technology.
The Ferris Art Gallery would like to thank the following programs, professors, and
their students for making this exhibition concept a reality!
Dr. Deirdre Fagan, College of Arts & Sciences, English, Literature, and World Languages
– Big Rapids campus Patricia Constantine, Kendall College of Art & Design, Illustration Program – Grand
Rapids campus Mel Danes, College of Education and Human Services, School of Digital Media – Big
Rapids campus Cari Mayle, College of Education and Human Services, School of Digital Media – Grand
Rapids campus Luke Hedman, College of Engineering Technology, School of Engineering & Computing
Technology – FSU Big Rapids
2017
November 30 - December 21, 2017 Reception & Presentation: November 30th 5-7PM Ed Wong-Ligda and Bill Hosterman: The Land
Bill Hosterman investigates the relationship between the way that the natural environment
is defined by the human journey, and the manner in which humans are defined by nature.
Hosterman works in drawing and printmaking and has exhibited his work nationally and
internationally. Hosterman holds a BFA and an MFA degrees with a concentration in
printmaking and studied printmaking and art in South Africa on a Fulbright Scholarship.
Bill Hosterman, The Network, pen and watercolor, 22″ x 30″ 2016
Originally from Palo Alto, California, Ed Wong-Ligda has been a Michigan based painter
for over twenty-five years. In California he worked half-time as a graphic designer/illustrator,
and half-time as a painter. After moving to Michigan he became a full-time Assistant
and Associate Professor at Kendall College of Art and Design, where he was also the
Chair of Design Studies. In 1999 he became a Full Professor at Grand Valley State
University and was the coordinator of Illustration until retirement at the end of
the 2014-15 academic year. He currently is a full-time painter concentrating on landscapes.
Ed Wong-Ligda “City State” oil on canvas, 2016
October 13 – November 21, 2017 Reception: October 19th 5-7PM Kathleen VanDeMark – The Wolf Project
With the reintroduction of the wolf, Yellowstone National Park has become a premiere
scientific laboratory for wilderness observation and ecosystem recovery. Scientists
have come from around the world to watch the effect wild wolves have on the park.
We have discovered that an ecological effect called the “trophic cascade” has taken
over Yellowstone, with the wolves initiating a more natural ecosystem balance than
has been seen in over 65 years. Based on this research, Kathleen VanDeMark visually
addresses the important role the wolf plays in our ecosystem through her images and
words.
September 7 – October 7, 2017
Seth Marosok – 2016 MFA Kendall Graduate Award Solo Exhibit "Angst”
“Drawing is my mechanism for alleviating the stresses and irrational anxieties that
invade my day-to-day reality. I wish to show the struggle against forces beyond our
control or understanding; against destruction, collapse, change, decay and death.
These forces, be they natural, biological, or otherwise, threaten to damage and destroy
the body. The themes of body horror and abjection are prevalent in my work. Bodies
are fragmented, twisted and contorted. In some cases the figure is not apparent but
lost amongst the undulations of decay and detritus. Internal body parts are exposed
as the outside barriers of the body begin to break down and merge with their surroundings.”
April 6 – May 6, 2017 FSU/KCAD Faculty Exhibit Image by Mariel Versluis
Exploring ways we can share ourselves with each other
“I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought there
are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre
and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be
out there thinking of me too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this
and know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you.” — Frida Kahlo
January 16 - March 12, 2017 “Strong is the New Pretty” Photography by Kate T. Parker
Exploring the truth of beauty
“Beauty is not measured by a lack of imperfection, but by showing the world that imperfection
simply does not exist.” — Carrie Weis
2016
November 7 – December 17, 2016 “Stratagem” MFA Graduate Award Solo Exhibit by Dustin Rogers
October 3-31, 2016 “Good Juju” James Malone-Beach - Lindsey Marie Fisher - Alexander Walker - Katie Verrill
Exploring the powerful relationship between mentor and apprentice
“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what
amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar
bent of the genius of each.” — Plato
September 1-28, 2016 “Spreading Light & Joy” David Zinn
David Zinn will be on campus and in the Big Rapids community during Homecoming Week
spreading light & joy. His work will be on display at the FSU Fine Art Gallery and
available for purchase downtown at Artworks.
Exploring what happens when you spread light & joy
“spreading light & joy generously is an act of grace. Love, humor & the creativity
coming from those sources are the only real strengths of humanity to me and you are
magically overflowing with all...”— Clover Lodge
June 1 – August 26, 2016: “Burgess & Birds”
Soft Insect Sculptures by Molly Burgess and M. Bernard Loates’ Birds of America
Loates’ prints are the most authentic reproductions of Audubon’s work and known to
be the best. The original Havell/Audubon engravings were used to create the series
and inks were hand-mixed and compared to Audubon’s prints to ensure color accuracy.
The paper is custom-made and is stamped with Loates’ personal watermark. The edition
is limited to 1000 sets with 100 publisher proofs, signed and numbered by the artist.
Prints are on sale this summer for $100.00 (unframed).
Molly Burgess studied Jewelry Design at Kendall college of Art and Design while working
as a seamstress. After discovering her true passion was in fiber arts, she focused
her creative skills as a seamstress. With ten years of experience, Molly retired to
develop her own business, Molly Burgess Designs. She has spent the last two years
using insects and arachnids as her inspiration. Sculptures are on sale in the gallery
through the exhibit.
April 4 - 30, 2016:"No Stone Unturned: Hybrid Landscapes & Eco Systems" a solo exhibit by Ethan Ross, MFA Kendall
April 7, 2016: Talk with the Artist, 6-7 pm, UCB 205
January 29 - March 23, 2016:Indie Incubator: “All About the Vinyl”
January 29 7- 9pm: Opening Reception
Indie (Independent): A form of creative endeavor that can be protected through a copyright,
trademark, patent, industrial design or integrated circuit topography.
Incubator: An incubator is a company or part of a company that specializes in developing
artists or writers.
Inspired by the Smithsonian Folkways non-profit record label; “Indie Incubator: All About the Vinyl” is an exhibition exploring ways in which music has transcended barriers. The impetus
is the cultural diversity of music and musicians. The incubator, Ferris State University
Fine Art Gallery, invited numerous artists and students at both Kendall and Ferris
to independently create work all about the vinyl.
2015
November 9 - December 19, 2015:WWII Propaganda Posters from the Dr. Matt Klein & Dr. Nancy Peterson - Klein Collection"
Research & Didactics by History Students led by Professor Dr. Tracy Busch
November 12, 2015: “The Persuasive Powers of Propaganda” presentation by Dr. Pasquale Di Raddo 11am
and 6pm during the reception in the gallery, UCB 205.
November 12, 2015: Reception and presentation: 5-7 pm, UCB 205
During active American involvement in World War II (1941–45), propaganda was used
to increase support for the war and commitment to an Allied victory. Using a vast
array of media, propagandists instigated hatred for the enemy and support for America's
allies, urged greater public effort for war production, persuaded people to save and
recycle so that more material could be used for the war effort, and sold war bonds
to fund the war.
September 1 - 26 - "Project 562" - Matika Wilbur; photography presenting modern day images and stories
of the 562 federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States. http://www.matikawilbur.com/
April 6 - May 9 - "Based on Actual Events" - contemporary landscape photography by Al Wildey
January 30 - March 28 - "Disparate Elements; A Steampunk Revolution" art provided by Joshua Kinsey, Erik Deary, Myke Amend, David Trautrimas and pieces from the private collection of Susan and Jack Batdorff.
2014
October 10 - November 29 - Paul Collins "America at Work" in conjunction with the Smithsonian Exhibit; "The
Way We Worked" and The Charlie and Ruth Carpenter Collection of Paul Collins Art.
Webpage links: Paul Collins, Smithsonian Archives
April 4 - May 30 - "Secret Mantra" - Losing the Root Language of Vietnam, an installation by Vietnamese
artist Le Quoc Viet. Sponsored by Indochina Arts Partnership
February 1 - 28 - Festival of the Arts - Andy Warhol, Silver Clouds
December 1 - 17 - "Ferris/Kendall Faculty Exhibit"
November 7 - 22 -"Aesthetic Engineering"
October 3 - 22 - "Student Graffiti Art"
September 6 - 23 - Rachel Kauff - "Drawing From the Land"
July 1 - August 12 - The Curtis Collection - These pieces are from the collection of Dr. Frank Edward Curtis gifted to Ferris
in 1980. This collection includes still life, portraits and landscapes by 19th century
artists from America, France, England and other countries. It is part of Ferris State
University's on-going "Art In Public Places" initiative.
April 5 - 30 - - "A Retrospective: For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When All You Ever
Needed Was the Blues."
March 14 - 31 - Art Martin and Lee Brown - Sculpture and Painting
February 2011 -Coffee Art - A Festival of the Arts event
February 1 - 26 - Dru King - Figurative Paintings
2010
October 18 - November 24 -"Labyrinth" A glasswork installation.
September 7 - 30 - "Russell Chatham" Original oil paintings and prints on loan from The Muskegon Museum of Art.
May 4- 14 -Clay, Art and Fire is a borrowed title from the North Michigan pottery festival in
downtown Big Rapids, MI. This annual event is usually held the 1st weekend, Saturday
and Sunday, in June .
April 6 - 30 - "Elliot" Paintings & Story by Tobin Sprout
March 2 - 26 -Paintings by Elizabeth Crank, Lynette Vought, Carrie Weis
February 9 - 26 - "The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss" - Traveling exhibit and selected pieces from the collection
of The Pinnacle Art Group
January 27 - 29 - Honors Program Juried Art Show
January 11 - 27 -Ferris/Kendall Faculty
Contacts
Carrie Weis Gallery Director Phone: (231) 591-2536 E-mail: [email protected]