Parkland College Art, Design Faculty Exhibition 2019
Works of 14 Parkland faculty artists; exhibit runs through Sept. 21
Exhibit: August 19–September 21 • Giertz Gallery at Parkland College • Works by 14 artists
Reception: Thursday, August 22, 5:30–7:30 p.m., featuring gallery talk at 6:30 p.m. by Melinda McIntosh and music by the Cobra Lounge Trio
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Giertz Gallery at Parkland College proudly presents the 2019 Art and Design Faculty Exhibition, opening Monday, Aug. 19.
This annual showcase featuring the work of Parkland's faculty artists runs through Sept. 21 and includes sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, video, photography, metals, ceramics, and graphic design. Exhibiting faculty members include Chris Berti, Shawn Fairchild, Stacey Gross, Bryan Heaton, Paula McCarty, Melinda McIntosh, Laura O'Donnell, Denise Seif, Peggy Shaw, Sheila Schneider, Joan Stolz, Matthew Watt, Kelly White, and Liza Wynette.
An opening reception for the artists will take place Thursday, Aug. 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and includes a gallery talk by Melinda McIntosh and music by Cobra Lounge Trio. During her talk at 6:30 p.m., McIntosh, part-time faculty in the Art and Design program at Parkland College, will discuss her painting, drawing, and printmaking work featured in the exhibition.
"Plein air painting doesn't just belong to the Impressionists in the art history books; it is still very much alive and offers many challenges different from the studio experience," McIntosh said. "Not only do you have the usual concerns with color, light, and composition, you now have a race against time. With the sun shifting throughout the day, your colors and shadows also change, forcing plein air painters to work alla prima or in three-hour increments. In recent years, I've been attending plein air competitions to hone my craft and to network with other artists. These events vary from juried to open competitions displaying a variety of work, painting styles, and levels of experience."
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. During the last day of the exhibit, on Saturday, Sept. 21, Giertz Gallery will also host a special workshop for Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. Area residents may drop in anytime between noon and 2 p.m. and celebrate the creative potential in all of us by making butterfly and insect-themed wearable art/jewelry with Parkland faculty and students. This year's unique, fun activity is free and offers an opportunity for children and their caregivers to create together while connecting with the arts. All supplies will be provided. This program is best for ages 6 to adult, and all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The 2019 Art and Design Faculty Exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. Fall gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, noon to 2 p.m. The gallery will be closed Monday, Sept. 2 for Labor Day.
To find the gallery, we suggest using the M6 parking lot on the north corner of campus. Walk past the gym and the fountain area, enter through Door X7, turn left, and follow the ramps up to the highest point of the first floor, where the gallery is located. The gallery windows overlook the outdoor fountain area.
Programs at the gallery are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. All events in the accessible gallery are free and open to the public. Parkland College is a section 504/ADA-compliant institution. For accommodation, call 217/353-2337 or email accessibilityservices@parkland.edu.
[Image Info: Melinda McIntosh, Silly Goose Side Porch, 8" x 10", oil on panel, 2019]