Spring 2008 Issue

Connecting Through the Arts

Alumni Arts Night at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery

"Assimilate" by Johnny Power '07

By Amy Spies Karhliker

Some folks might not consider the University of Illinois at Springfield as a contributor to the art scene. But Liz Murphy-Thomas, director of the Visual Arts Gallery, said otherwise at the reception for the UIS Visual Arts Juried Alumni Exhibition. "In the past seven years, UIS has become one of the major art venues in central Illinois," she said.

On this night, 12 alumni artists' work – out of 50 artists who submitted pieces – was featured at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery.

"Some of these pieces come from SSU alumni who graduated in the first visual arts class of 1988," said Murphy-Thomas.

Jeff Robinson BA VIS ARTS '07 exhibited two oil on canvas paintings: "Adam's Apple" and "(To) Study After Goya," both striking for their maturity and for the obvious talent of their creator.

"I came here for the art," Robinson said. "I was accepted at Georgia, which is in the top 25 art schools in the country, but those schools are too big – and so are their egos. Here, it's more about the art than 'me' being recognized for 'my' art." Robinson has since been accepted into Illinois State University's MFA program, where he will start in the fall.

Merlin Foltz BA VIS ARTS '88, also came to UIS for the art. He is currently employed with an inventory company for much of the year. During his down time, he paints and he learns from powerful Native American rituals. A magical and mysterious man, Foltz has illuminated visions.

One of those visions, "Sweatlodge Dreaming," was selected by the visual arts faculty for this exhibition. Foltz "saw" the painting during a sweat lodge ceremony: "It [the painting] is the manifestation of the spiritual on the material plane," he said.

Ten other artists' works, some of which is shown here, was featured in the exhibit, including the irresistibly touchable "Michael's Blanket" – a shawl of woven rubber bands – by Tom W. Woolsey BA VIS ARTS '94.

The UIS visual arts program strives to provide both theoretical and experiential opportunities for art students. The strength of the program is demonstrated in each piece of this exhibition.

"These artists represent the best of the best," said Murphy-Thomas.

View other artwork from the exhibit.