SE faculty, staff display Knack for art
by Julia Mims, reporter

    The SE Campus art department is showing its creative side with the opening of an exhibit featuring the works of 13 artists—all SE Campus faculty or staff.

    Diversity is the theme of Knack, a faculty and staff exhibition put together by Derrick White, instructional assistant and gallery director.

    “I wanted the opportunity to showcase the staff and faculty that are still practicing artists,” he said, adding that all exhibitors have experience displaying their artwork regionally, nationally and even internationally.

    Knack features the talents of 13 different artists, six female and seven male artists, with a total of 31 pieces.

    Each artist contributed two to three pieces of his or her own work to this open exhibition.

    The artwork spans from ceramics to drawings to welded metal sculptures and even a pillow hanging on the wall. It is eclectic to say the least.

    Among the many artists contributing their works is Sharon Covington, design communications, electronic imaging instructor, showcasing her collage/mixed media works that deal with the struggle of culture versus nature.

    Other artists include Elaine Taylor, art appreciation instructor, showing her wood sculpture/word installation, and Rafael Molina, assistant professor, displaying his ceramics.

    Chris Goebel, SE music, art and dance department chair, also is displaying his site-specific installation work, created specifically for this show.

    Site-specific installation, described by White, consists of textural materials and found objects juxtaposed into large-scale sensory challenges.

    Perhaps, one of the more intriguing pieces of art at the Knack exhibit would be John Phillip’s untitled video installation.

    The installation is featured in a darkened room running on four televisions simultaneously with a soundtrack of plucked piano strings.

    Knack offers more than the viewing of artwork.

    As part of the new Artists Lecture Series, today, 1-4 p.m., participating artists will give brief explanations about their art.

    The explanations will be followed by an open discussion where viewers can ask questions of the artist and/or creator.

    Knack is full of different thoughts and creations, with each piece standing out on its on, White said.

    The exhibit provides an opportunity for students to attend and see a different and professional side of their teachers.

    Knack is running through Feb. 16 in the Art Corridor on SE Campus. The exhibition is free and open to the public.