Brenau University Galleries will host two solo exhibitions, a juried exhibit and selections from the university’s extensive permanent collection throughout the fall semester.
“The galleries will reopen in August and I’m excited to share these incredible artists with our students and our community,” Gallery Director Gena Robbins said. “These works take an inner look at human nature and wrestle with emotion through a variety of styles, colors and moods. I am confident that everyone will find a piece to connect with in our fall exhibits.”
Starting the fall season is an exhibit of The Leggett Collection and Other Highlights from the Brenau Permanent Collection, on display in Sellars Gallery from Aug. 17-Oct.12.
The collection includes work from Burt Silverman, Lucia de Leiris, Kate Doyle, Jacqueline Gnott, Jeffrey Martin, Bobbie McKibbon, Roger Medearis, Jane Mihalik and Dale Wilson Kennington.
Maggie Evans solo show addresses individuality
Opening Aug. 31 in Leo Castelli Gallery is Maggie Evans: Parallel Narratives. An artist talk and reception will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 31.
Evans’ solo show reveals paintings, drawings and installation to examine human social structures and the internal struggle between the need for individuality and the need for inclusion.
“The need to self-organize into hierarchical belief systems and the desire to be part of a group surfaces and resurfaces regardless of geographical and historical boundaries,” Evans said. “Yet this need for direction and inclusion is a direct contradiction to the individuality celebrated as the defining characteristic of what it means to be human.”
Evans, an avid cyclist, was hit by a vehicle while cycling in 2022 and relearned her daily routine following the accident. She is a Savannah, Georgia, resident, and also teaches foundation studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts, and is a jazz musician.
Experience everyday surrealism with Chris Boyko
Chris Boyko: Assembling the Masses will exhibit Sept. 14-Nov. 28 in Presidents Gallery. Boyko will give an artist’s talk at the Sept. 14 opening reception for the solo show.
Boyko, an Atlanta-area artist, creates large-scale surrealist oil paintings using automatic painting techniques, going into a trance-like state to create colorful worlds on canvas.
“The subconscious is constructed like a giant web, which as a whole, creates an individual,” Boyko said. “If one were to examine each individual piece, they would realize it’s composed of multiple ideas, memories and feelings which are constantly shifting. It’s this shift within our subconscious that changes our perception of reality. It’s why each of us can respond differently to a multitude of situations.”
Boyko holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual art from Kennesaw State University. In addition to creating and exhibiting, Boyko enjoys giving back to the art community in philanthropic endeavors.
Art educators showcase ceramics
Seize the Clay, a juried exhibit for art educators specializing in ceramics, is set for Nov. 2. This survey of ceramic works highlights art educators in the Southeast who are working to unlock the full potential of the clay medium to inspire, progress and educate.
The exhibition is spearheaded by Assistant Professor of Art & Design Huy Chu, with assistance from Robbins and Art & Design Department Chair Claudia Wilburn. Submissions closed at the end of July, and more details are forthcoming.
In addition to the exhibits and permanent collection, the gallery has openings for docents and exhibition committee members. Those interested can email Robbins at grobbins1@brenau.edu.
Fall 2023 At-A-Glance
The Leggett Collection and Other Highlights from the Brenau Permanent Collection
Aug. 17-Oct. 12, Sellars Gallery
More information about The Leggett Collection and Other Highlights
Maggie Evans: Parallel Narratives
Aug. 31-Nov.16, Leo Castelli Gallery
More information about Maggie Evans: Parallel Narratives
Chris Boyko: Assembling the Masses
Sept. 14-Nov. 28, Presidents Gallery
More information about Chris Boyko: Assembling the Masses
Seize the Clay, juried exhibit for art educators
Nov. 2-Dec. 8, Sellars Gallery.
