Michael Smith & Joshua White (And Other Collaborators)
April 25 - August 3, 2008

The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania presents “Mike’s World: Michael Smith & Joshua White (and other collaborators),” the first major retrospective of internationally renowned performance/video/installation artist Michael Smith and his New York-based collaborator, director/artist Joshua White. The exhibition features 30 years of videos, installation environments, and other performance-related materials detailing the adventures of “Mike,” a sweet but hapless Everyman character created by Smith, and his amusingly ineffectual search for a piece of the American Dream.

www.icaphila.org/exhibitions/mikes.php

ICA - Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia
University of Pennsylvania, 118 South 36th Street, Philadelphia PA

May 28th–June 6th
Opening Reception Friday, May 30th from 5-7pm
Student Commons Main Gallery, 907 Floyd Avenue, Richmond

A exhibition of work from  Casey Bianco, Sarah Holden, Soo Kim, Jessica Lee, and Josefina Stephens. These students have been researching recycling fibers in response to the large amount of muslin scraps wasted each day in the fashion design department. Through out the duration of this project they have been collecting muslin scraps from design studios, keeping track of how much is wasted, all with the hope of creating a fabric recycling program. While collaborating with each other the students, who come from various areas of study including fashion, fibers, and metals, have created many one of kind garments and accessories that showcase their creative abilities along with minimizing waste. The exhibition is made possible by a VCUarts Undergraduate Research Grant.

More information visit www.deconrecondesign.blogspot.com

TRANSMISSION
 presents:

STEPHEN VITIELLO
and
PAUL THULIN

Opening: Friday June 6, 2008, 7-10pm
TRANSMISSION
321 Brook Rd.
Richmond, VA 23225
 804.200.9985

& Paul Thulin" />

Stephen Vitiello will be exhibiting several LFO speaker drawings
and a new sound piece consisting of sounds created in James River Park.

Here, he explains the work:
‘The LFO Speaker Drawings were created after several years of looking
for a method of ‘process drawings’ that would directly reflect my
processes of working with audio. Beginning in 2004, I created a number
of installations with suspended speakers, through which very low
frequency tones were played. The tones and patterns are below our
(human) threshold of hearing, therefore we can see movement on the
surface of the speakers but we do not actually hear the sounds. The
first piece of this series was installed at SculptureCenter in NYC in
2004. Subsequent versions were presented in Rome, Paris, Porto Alegre,
Brazil, Seattle, Sydney, Australia and Vienna. In 2006, after a
collaboration with the visual artist Julie Mehretu in which she
created a wall drawing in a shared space with a suspended speaker
piece, I was more determined than ever to make my sounds draw. I found
that filling those same speakers with pigment, ink and other drawing
materials and subjecting the speakers to those low frequency
oscillations (LFO), the drawing materials would be projected out onto
paper in such a way that one had a visual work that was also an
artifact of the sound. The drawings were first shown in a solo
exhibition at The Project on W. 57th Street in New York City and have
subsequently been presented in London and are now in the homes of a
number of private collectors.

As a compliment to the drawings, I will create a quiet sound piece,
based on the 1957 children’s book Listen to the Night consisting of
sounds created in James River State Park.’

Stephen Vitiello bio:
 www.stephenvitiello.com/index.php?id=C0_6_2

_____________________________________________

& Paul Thulin" />Paul Thulin will be exhibiting photographs from his series,
‘Dissolving Boundaries of the Self: A Rhizomatic Psycho-History’

Here, he explains this body of work:
‘My defining project Dissolving Boundaries of The Self: A Rhizomatic
Psycho-History aims to explore the relationship between photographic
narrative and an ongoing autobiographical record of my life. The
sequencing and plot of this mythical narrative is thematically linked
to historical, psychoanalytical, and confessional self -examination.

Dissolving Boundaries of The Self: A Rhizomatic Psycho-History
is a sequential archive of imagery that presents an ever-evolving
history of my psyche as photographic artifact. Performance and
improvisational play are essential components of this project
allowing for the transformation of real world events and personal
experiences into plot driven character development, gesture, and
aesthetic. The images are metaphorical expressions of my everyday
thoughts, emotions, memories, cultural influences, physical impulses,
and other illusive subconscious desires. The narrative is continually
unfolding and sequentially restructuring itself in direct relation to
my interpretation of present and past personal experiences.

The series is structured as a rhizomatic narrative organized and
presented by an imagined but systemically real Institute of the
Self (IOS). Utilizing psychoanalytically based textual analysis,
archeological image structure, and the power of authoritative
authorship, this collection of images is archived as a living collection of interpreted artifacts discovered within the boundaries of an examined life. The series attempts to expose the often contradictory and relative nature of truth offered within any documentary interpretation or examinationof the self and/or culture as a whole.’

Paul Thulin is an artist utilizing photography to explore aspects of personal identity, memory, narrative, and decay. He is a M.F.A. graduate and an API National Graduate Fellow. Presently, he is the Director of Graduate Studies
for the Department of Photography and Film.

June 7 - August 2, 2008
The Squirrelly Girls are
Melanie Christian, Sandra Luckett, Katie Shaw Sweeney, and James Busby

On Friday, June 6th 2008 & Thursday, July 3rd 2008 the Squirrelly Girls have scheduled their next event. The event will take place inside the doors of 1708 Gallery. The Squirrelly Girls invite you to come and be a part of the environment and to celebrate the Squirrelly-ness in you by dressing up, painting your face with glitter and gold, wearing some sparkly shoes, and diving into the world of these flamboyantly talented artists.

Several years ago in graduate school The Squirrelly Girls decided to create an outlet from all the heaviness of art and actually use art for enjoyment but remaining focused on their work. Melanie Christian and Sandra Luckett took it upon themselves to throw in some fun and stage a mock wedding celebration between the two. One afternoon the school closed down for an aqua color themed fake wedding with Sally Bowring presiding over the vows. Everyone in the room had to be dressed in the color Aqua. The next event was an Orange Rave in the elevator of the School of Fine Arts. The next event was a miniature winter parade down Broad Street where each Squirrelly Girl construed ‘Mardi Gras’ like winter floats.

Building on a great history this summers exhibit, with the two openings in June and July, promises to be great.

1708 gallery
319 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA

Alumnus David Herbert (MFA Sculpture + Extended Media) and Ryan Mulligan (MFA Painting & Printmaking) ask for everyone to come and help sing karaoke at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The site specific sculptural installation will functions as a bar, “Walt’s”, where the artist host karaoke beginning friday, May 23, 7–11 p.m. and will remain open every Monday from 6–8 p.m. through August 31, 2008

Contemporary Arts Center
Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art
44 E. 6th Street, Cincinnati, OH

An exhibition at Plant Zero of the department of Craft/Material Studies advanced metal students.
May 23rd – June 21st

Plant Zero
0 E. Fourth St.
Richmond Va

Recent Work by Painting and Printmaking Professors Ruth Bolduan and Amie Oliver at the DOW MUSEUM in St. Augustine, FL. The Exhibition is Open May 12–August 16, 2008.

For more information on the closing reception for the artists scheduled for August 15 please visit amieoliver.blogspot.com.

Assistant Professor in the Department of Sculpture + Extended Media Michael Jones McKean in residence at ThreeWalls in Chicago. His residence will culminate with an exhibition opening Friday June 27, 2008. also, the University of Illinois, Springfield has published a catalog, Michael Jones McKean: Selected Projects 2003-2008 for McKean’s recent residency and exhibition in conjunction with Chancellors Distinguished Visiting Scholars Program at UIS.

Read an Interview between Michael and Eric Zimmerman: www.fluentcollab.org/mbg/index.php/mightbegood/interview/index/98/16

2008-09 Exhibition Schedule

Summer: June 20 – August 2, 2008
Rob Matthes, Fiona Ross, David Wurtzel

Opening reception, June 20th from 7-9pm
Rob Matthews: Knoxville Girl

Rob Matthews
Knoxville Girl: The Deposition, 2007
Graphite on paper
Courtesy of the Artist

A murder morality tale told through exquisite graphite scenes by Philadelphia artist Rob Matthews. This exhibition is based loosely on real murders in Knoxville, Tenn., and on the Appalachian ballad “Knoxville Girl,” the drawings present universal themes of envy, rage, rash action, and remorse. Presented as scenes, these drawings beckon parallels to ancient allegories and contemporary culture alike through Matthew’s examination of senseless evil deeds and his observations of gang behavior and individual responsibility. Curated by Amy Moorefield of VCUarts Anderson Gallery.

Rob’s website: robmatthewsdrawings.blogspot.com
Rob’s Gallery website: www.galleryjoe.com/artists/matthewsr

Fiona Ross: The Thread in the Labyrinth

Fiona Ross
Unicursal Reverie #2 (Detail), 2008
sumi ink on binsen-shi paper
Courtesy of the artist

Through a site-specific wall installation and series of drawings-all rendered from a single (unicursal) line drawn with sumi ink, and paint makers, Ross relates these works with the idea of “threading”- a meditative journey one would take walking in a complex unicursal labyrinth. The title references the Ancient Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. The beautiful goddess Ariadne gives Theseus a thread to guide him out of the labyrinth after he slays the monstrous Minotaur. The resulting work navigates the artist’s journey through complex pathways drawn with threadlike lines cumulating in fantastic landscapes filled with hidden surprises. Curated by Amy Moorefield of VCUarts Anderson Gallery.

For more information: www.fionaross.net
Portraits: More Than Just a Pretty Face

David Wurtzel
Mexican Shirt, 1963
oil on canvas
From the permanent collection of VCUarts Anderson Gallery, Gift of the Artist, 86.29.2
Image courtesy of the artist and VCUarts Anderson Gallery

Fall: September 19 – December 7, 2008

Opening reception September 19th from 7-9pm
The Divas and Iron Chefs of Encaustic

Lorraine Glessner
Nexus 2, 2007
Encaustic and mixed media on silk
Courtesy of the artist

The Divas and Iron Chefs features the seductive surface, luminous color, and ethereal image layering unique to the encaustic medium. Nationally known artists; Kristy Deetz (Wisconsin), Peter Dykhuis (Canada), Lorraine Glessner (Pennsylvania), Cheryl Goldsleger (Georgia), Reni Gower (Virginia), Heather Harvey (Virginia), Jeffrey S. Hirst (Minnesota), and Timothy McDowell (Connecticut) - each approach the discipline from a unique perspective incorporating scraping, burning, burnishing, incising, dipping or pouring; as well as, painting, printmaking, drawing, collage and installation. Infusing contemporary concepts with this time-honored historic media, the artists communicate through texture and poetic beauty. The exhibition is guest curated by Reni Gower, Professor in VCUarts Painting and Printmaking Department.

For more information: www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/artweb/paintprint/faculty_gower.asp

Winter: January 16– March 1, 2009

Opening reception January 16 from 7-9pm
Embodying the Sacred in Yoruba Art:
Featuring the Bernard and Patricia Wagner Collection

Dance Vest with Esu staff Figures, 20th c.
Nigeria, Yoruba
Wood, Cowrie shells, leather
Collection of The Newark Museum
Gift of Bernard and Patricia Wagner, 2006

Embodying the Sacred in Yoruba Art explores the relationship between art and the spiritual world in Yoruba culture, presenting 67 works of art in diverse media. For the Yoruba, one of Africa’s oldest and most influential cultures, the Yoruba’s art and spirituality are inherently intertwined. Works of art give visual form to the divine and inspire religious devotion. In turn, they are empowered by spiritual forces. The exhibition includes shrines and beaded regalia that reference the supreme deity of the Yoruba, altar images, and ritual implements that facilitate spiritual communication. Spectacular masks dramatize the presence of the sublime. This exhibition features important art works from the Bernard and Patricia Wagner Collection, many of which are recent gifts to the organizing institutions, along with major art works from the collections of The Newark Museum and the High Museum of Art.

Organized by:
The Newark Museum www.newarkmuseum.org
and the High Museum of Art www.high.org
Curated by Christa Clarke, The Newark Museum and Carol Tompson, the High Museum of Art in consultation with Babatunde Lawal, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Department of Art History www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/artweb/history.

Spring: Student Exhibitions 2009

(All opening receptions are from 5-7pm on the first day)
Juried Student Design Exhibition
March 20 through March 29, 2009
The Student Design Exhibition features work from the Interior Design, Fashion Design, Illustration, Communication Arts and Graphic Design.
Juried Student Kinetic Imaging Exhibition
March 20 through March 29, 2009
The exhibition showcases students’ animation, video, and sound work juried by a notable expert in the field of Kinetic Imaging
Juried Student Fine Art Exhibition
April 10 through April 19, 2009
The exhibition showcases students’ paintings, prints, sculptures, site-specific installations, drawings, crafts, photography and video. Undergraduate students currently enrolled in studio classes in VCUarts are eligible to enter up to three pieces of work. Each year, VCUarts Anderson Gallery brings a distinguished expert to judge student entries. The result is a stimulating exhibition, chosen from the most interesting and challenging student work to be found anywhere in the country.
Masters of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibitions
These exhibitions are the final requirements for students earning a master’s degree in the fine arts departments from VCU. The exhibition provides a forum for emerging artists to display their work and give viewers a “preview” of new directions in the visual arts. Each of the participating artists will exhibit work that represents the culmination of their 2 year masters program in one of the following areas: painting, printmaking, sculpture, crafts, kinetic imaging and photography and film.
Round 1
April 24 through May 3, 2009
Round 2
May 8 through May 17, 2009

VCU School of the Arts in Qatar held a Ground Breaking Ceremony on May 11, to commemorate the expansion of its building on the eve of the ten year anniversary. A ceremony was held at the Education City campus with officials from the Qatar Foundation, the president of Virginia Commonwealth University from the United States and other dignitaries. With the addition to the building, VCUQatar plans on expanding its offerings to the community.

VCU QatarDean Allyson Vanstone walked Dr. Abdullah Al-Thani; Vice President of Education, Dr. Eugene Trani; President of Virginia Commonwealth University and Thomas Rosenthal the Rector for Virginia Board of Visitors to the ground breaking site on the northwest corner of the building and handed each of them a commemorative shovel. The image shows President Trani of Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Abdullah AlThani of Qatar Foundation and Thomas Rosenthal digging in the ground where the future proposed VCUQatar library entrance will be.

The new building, which will more than double the size of the current facility is yet another critical step to fulfilling VCUQatar’s vision of providing an exceptional educational environment for our students from Qatar, the Arabian Gulf region and from around the world.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed VCUQatar’s graduation dinner in the Qatar Foundation Headquarters, where the first classes for its students were held a decade ago.

In the photo: Dr Eugene Trani, President of Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr Abdullah Al Thani, Vice President of Education, Qatar Foundation, Thomas Rosenthal, the Rector for Virginia Board of Visitors