2011 Finlandia University International School of Art & Design Faculty Exhibit

Exhibit Dates: February 24 to March 22, 2011

Opening reception: Thursday, February 24, 2011, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

HANCOCK, MI - Finlandia University's International School of Art and Design will present an exhibit of work by university faculty February 24 to March 22, 2011, at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

An opening reception for the artists will take place at the gallery Thursday, February 24, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

This year's exhibit features new works by Finlandia University art and design faculty, faculty emeritus, and adjunct faculty.

Ceramics, sustainable design, painting and drawing, fiber art, and graphic design are among the media represented in the exhibit. The artists are Yueh-mei Cheng, Phyllis Fredendall, Arthur Hill, Rick Loduha, Denise Vandeville, Jon Brookhouse, Colleen Carroll, Cynthia Coté, Carrie Flaspohler, Greg Green, Melissa Hronkin, Laura Smyth, and Derik Spoon.

Phyllis Frendendall, associate professor of fiber arts and fashion design, will exhibit jacquard fabric that she designed using the computer software she teaches her students to use.

"The fiber studio at Finlandia has three main directions: weaving and off-loom structures, dyeing and printing, and garment design. With so many areas within one concentration, it is important that I explore  the processes we study along with the students," Fredendall says. "Some of these explorations are in the show."

Rick Loduha, associate professor of integrated design, will present his work from the Sustainable Keweenaw Resource Center's Green Map project. The Keweenaw Green Map is an online map charting how local businesses, projects, happenings, and other activities play a part in sustainable community development.

A fabric piece titled "Levity" by Cynthia Coté, adjunct professor and director of the Copper Country Community Arts Center, Hancock, explores the question, If a soul was a tangible thing, what would it look like? The piece is part of a series she is creating in an effort to mend and celebrate the hardworking components of her body.

Adjunct professor Melissa Hronkin's contribution to this year's exhibit uses encaustics, an ancient medium using pigmented beeswax.

"I approach this medium experimentally," notes Hronkin about her use of encaustics. "And I use it as a medium to bind together my photography, drawing, sculptures, and ideas."

The 2011 International School of Art and Design Faculty Exhibit is on display at the Finlandia University Gallery through March 22.

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment.

Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.

Photo Cutlines:

Photo 1: "Kuusamo Stripes", Knitted yardage by Phyllis Fredendall

Photo 2:  "The Train Wreck of Hugert Yards", 2010, oils on canvas, by Greg Green

Photo 3:  "Reconstructing the hive II", 2011, by Melissa Hronkin