DEPARTMENT EVENTS and IMPORTANT DATES     

Art Department Critiques for Sophomore Majors  -  February 28, 2012, 9 a.m., Computer Lab in VUCA

All sophomore art majors will receive e-mails describing the nature and intent of the critiques.  This year you will be expected to present your artwork as much as possible in a Power Point format.  You may bring a representational sample of a three-dimensional piece if you believe it is essential to the critique process.  In future, all critique presentations will be in a digital format.  Although freshmen majors are not required to present their work this semester, they are required to be present during the critiques, so please make the necessary arrangments with your professors.

Exhibits currently on exhibit in the Brauer Museum of Art:

Healing Pool:  An Installation by Brian Knep

This exhibit begins in the Brauer Museum of Art in VUCA on December 2 and is curated by Robert Sirko, Chair of the Art Department.  Mr. Knep holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science and a master's degree in computer science, both from Brown University.  He has studied ceramics and glass blowing, art forms where craft weighs significantly in the successful outcome of the art.  He has worked as a Senior Software Engineer at Industrial Light and Magic where he made significant and pioneering contributions to computer science through his software development for special effects tools that were used in films like Jurassic Park and Starship Troopers -- works which earned him a technical Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ("an Academy award").  Brian's interactive installation art has been shown throughout the world.  He is published in several scientific journals and is currently the artist-in-residence at Harvard Medical School.

Mr. Knep is the featured speaker for the Student Coffee Hour on Wednesday, February 1, in the Duesenberg Receital Hall.

 other state Claudette Roper Video Installation - Curated by Liz Wuerffel

Brauer Museum of Art Education Room

other state explores the cultural predicament of our times -- racism.  Focusing on how those impacted, particularly black Americans, live and in many cases thrive in spite of its insidious legacy, this project is an examination and celebration of the human spirit.  It is also a thought-provoking model of how artistry, media and the desire to inform can be a creative tool for social change.  It is a sancntuary for discourse.  Those with sincere interest are given a point of entry for an honest exchange with people who have authentic experiences navigating society's most difficult terrain.  Claudette Roper's family's involvement with the Civil Rights Movement ignited her quest for social justice.  A voracious appetite for literature and history was nurtured as a young girl, while curiosity concerning the media led to a successful career in corporate communications and media production working with an impressive list of power brokers.  She is a recipient of the prestigious 2006 Albert P. Weisman Award.  A Chicago native, she received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Media from Columbia College and serves as an adjunct professor at her alma mater. 

Ms. Roper will speak in the Brauer Museum Gallery on Monday, January 16, at 2:30 p.m. as part of the MLK Day events.

Mindless Mayhem:  The Art of Ron Villani, curated by Gregg Hertzlieb

The Art of Jeanette Pasin Sloan, curated by Gregg Hertzlieb and Gloria Ruff

Photography Exhibit - Jenelle Orelup

Jenelle Orelup's exhibit, entitled "46324" (the zip code of Hammond, Indiana) is currently on display in the hallway gallery at the Christopher Center.  The show is a photographic essay of Hammond's past and present and will be up through the end of January.  There will be a reception with the artist on January 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the hallway gallery.

Future Events

Art Department Lecture Series

          February 8, 2012, 7 p.m., Duesenberg Recital Hall

                    Michele Corazzo - "An Artist's Viewpoint on Style, Integrity and Success"

March 21, 2012, 7 p.m. , Duesenberg Recital Hall

          Jane Lohmeyer - "The 'Art' of Motivation:  Finding Your Inner Muse"

Guitar Fest.  Details to follow.  February 17 - 20, 2012

 VU Faculty Art Exhibit - March 28, 2012 through May 13, 2012

 VU Student Art Exhibit - April 18, 2012 through May 13, 2012

Works by Valparaiso University's art students will be on exhibit in the Brauer Museum of Art at Valparaiso University Center for the Arts (VUCA) from April 18 through May 13, 2012.  The award ceremony and opening reception is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18 in the Museum.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to view the fine quality of work produced by the University's art students.  Refreshments will be served following the award ceremony.

BSFA Student Art Show - April 18, 2012 through May 13, 2012

The artwork of Valparaiso University's students who will graduate this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts degree (BSFA) will also be on display in the Brauer Museum beginning on April 18, 2012.  The BSFA candidates, Taylor Fleming and Ashley Roll, will be on hand to answer questions about their work and what inspired them at the opening reception on April 27 at 7 p.m. in the lobby of the VUCA in front of the Brauer Museum of Art.  Viewing the candidates' work and hearing them describe its evolution through their student years is an illuminating event and an opportunity not to be missed.  Please plan to attend.  Refreshments will be served.

Soup Bowls for the Hungry - A fundraiser sponsored and coordinated by Michele Corazzo with proceeds to be donated to a worthy and needy group or charity.  This second annual event will be held at the Art/Psych Building from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2012.  Watch this space for further details as the date of the event approaches.