View from the Studio
By By Wesley Hart
At the core of UCA’s art department is a student body so excited for opportunities, they create their own. The best example of this ambition and involvement can be found in our extra-curricular clubs within department and across disciplines. Active members participated in organizing an accessible art library in Schichtl and will join again to pour iron in October. Within the first month of returning to school, students have been busy filling their time outside of class. Most recently, UCA hosted visiting artists Peter and Laurie Pincus of Rochester, NY. This power couple’s three-day workshop focused on complex mold making, casting, and managing finances with talks from both instructors. Peter’s work is currently on display alongside the process oriented work of faculty in the Baum Gallery’s Color and Form show.
Our student gallery has been busy as well with a recent reception for Offerings, a show consisting of work from Sandra Luckett’s summer installation class currently on display. The Black Box has also held a sewing circle workshop where students shared the skills they learned during summer workshops at Arrowmont Schools of Arts and Crafts, with a second workshop in the works as a follow up to expand upon these skills. Students spoke during our department’s monthly First Thursday Talks, discussing scholarship opportunities at Arrowmont including a discussion of the application process, and their experiences while attending workshops in Gatlinburg, TN.
The Sculpture students have begun preparing for their iron pour during Arts Fest this October. Students recently held a workshop demonstrating how to gate for molds that will be poured. Our own school paper, The Echo, wrote about the forum organized by students looking for feedback on a developing art library built on accessibility and decolonization. Students involved in this project are also involved in an ongoing professional development workshop lead by past visiting artist Sharon Louden. Aside from what has already happened, students are eager to work toward future projects such as a community wood firing and Pottery sale hosted by the UCA Clay Club, monthly critiques with the BFA Critique Club, more workshops with a focus on professional development, and many more opportunities for involvement. All clubs are open to all students. Finally, UCA will soon be hosting Israeli artists Maya Gelfman and Roie Avidan who will create a water themed art installation in Conway just before an underwater orchestra event to urge the conversation of water conservation.