An exhibit of art created by local artists will be on display in the Caestecker Art Gallery of Ripon College’s C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts from Tuesday, Jan. 20 through Friday, Feb. 13. A reception and discussion will be held Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m.
The exhibit, curated by four Ripon College students, features work from members of Art MidWisconsin, including several artists with connections to the College. Among them are Professor of English Mary Unger, Instructor of Business David Sakrison, retired Library Director Sarah McGowan, retired staff member and alumna Bev Christ ’96, and alumni Karin Keeler ’96 and Kate Salas ’02. Other participating artists include Joanne Burne, Pat Dobrinska, Dick Folse, Michaela Foreman, Carolyn Myers, Joanne Norton, Eileen Reilly, Angel Rettler and Howard Rigden.
Seniors Bri Young of Omro, Wisconsin, and Nicole Arnhold of Hampton, New York,) and sophomores Bryn Sullivan of Soldier Grove, Wisconsin, and George Wager of Markesan, Wisconsin, selected the artworks to display. The students interviewed all participating artists, designed the layout using a scale model of the gallery, and installed the show with assistance from the artists themselves.
“The exhibit was a joy to work on as it brought so many people in the community together,” said Professor of Art History Travis Nygard. “It was both a joy and a challenge to find themes in the artwork, which helped us make the show cohesive.”
Many of the works are inspired by Wisconsin’s landscapes, including prairies, trees, flowers, rock formations and lakes near Ripon, providing visitors with a chance to reflect on the region’s natural beauty.
Art MidWisconsin was founded by Dick Folse, husband of Ripon College President Victoria N. Folse. All members of the group were invited to submit up to five artworks for the show. The curatorial team ensured that everyone had at least one work included. The exercise promoted inclusivity, but also taught the students the realities of curatorial decision-making — no artist could have all their submissions accepted. Each student curator wrote a statement displayed alongside the artists’ biographies and artist statements in the gallery.
“This exhibit celebrates both the vibrancy of the local arts community and the hands-on learning experiences Ripon College students gain in the classroom and beyond,” said Nygard.
Both the artists and the student curators will be present for the Jan. 30 reception. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 2-5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 2-6 p.m. Admission is free.
You may also like the following events from Ripon College:
- This Saturday, 24th January, 09:00 am, Alumni Basketball in Ripon
- Next Thursday, 29th January, 04:00 pm, Founders' Day Rally Hour - Minneapolis in Minnetonka
- Next Thursday, 29th January, 05:00 pm, Founders' Day Rally Hour - Columbus, WI in Columbus
Also check out other
Arts events in Ripon,
Contests in Ripon.
