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NR16003

The University of Maine at Fort Kent Blake Library Gallery will feature “Drawing Concepts“ the work of students in Therese L. Provenzano's Art 351: Drawing class. The exhibition will be on display through Thursday, January 28.

Art 351: Drawing is a hands-on upper level studio course students' take as a requirement for an art minor or purely out of interest. Community members also can enroll. The main course objective is for students to investigate drawing as form and as means of expressing ideas.

Drawing Concepts represent students' artwork that explores charcoal, graphite, India ink, and mixed media. Students' learn that how they approach a drawing in using their materials will either support or diminish their concept. Provenzano comments, “The first two concepts were, “Bearable Darkness of Being” and the “Bearable Lightness of Being.” Students were challenged to depict weight from the same object, a white chair, using graphite as the material. The objective was for the first drawing to read bearably heavy whereas in contrast the second drawing was to read bearably light. The basic concept was to draw weight. Growth takes place in reaching for unknowns. Frustration and some level of apprehension can occur during the creative process and this became evident when developing their mixed media drawings, Skeleton Head with Wire.

The students represented in the exhibition are: Linda Ayotte, Ellen Borges, Kristen Champagne, Michelle Delgadillo, Paige Gillespie, Kristopher Michaud, Mark Olson, Desi Peddle, Katie Pinette, Shelagh Van Anglen, and Gigi Witmer.

Kristen Champagne stated, “Every class I have taken as an art minor has challenged me, inspired me, and helped me to grow in different ways. This semester's drawing class was no different. In the process of switching materials from by beloved pastels to graphite, India ink and charcoal, I was able to explore the realm of value more than ever. It was difficult to give up my love of color and vibrancy, but I can definitely say that I have been able to further refine my skills and open my eyes to new possibilities as an artist.”

Mark Olson stated, “At first I was pretty apprehensive about working with India ink as it is a material that I don't have much experience with, although I quickly found myself enjoying it immensely. One day at class, Therese shows up with this enormous branch, nails it to the wall, and directed us to choose an area that provided an interesting composition. Overall, the biggest challenge during this assignment was making everything look natural and organic.”

Desi Peddle commented, ”Before, I was drawing what I saw in front of me and not what my mind was telling me was there. I now can feel volume and depth when I create a drawing. Skeleton Head with Wire has inspired me to take a different path with my art; I have deepened my desire for new materials and I am already planning my next projects.”

Shelagh Van Anglen shared, “The challenges I faced have pushed me to do my absolute best and made me grow more as an artist. The process was rewarding and I couldn't ask for a better experience!”

Kristopher Michaud shared, “If there was one lesson I deeply internalized within my brain from this course and wanted everyone to know about, it would be along the lines of this short quote by French artist, Henri Matisse, “Creativity takes Courage.”

The exhibition can be viewed during library hours: January 13^th through 17^th open weekdays only from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Closed, Jan. 18^th. Regular library hours begin Jan. 19^th through January 28^th: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. For further information, please contact Gallery Curator, Sofia Birden at 207-834-7527.

For information about taking a hands-on studio art course for the 2016 Spring Semester, please contact Therese L. Provenzano at (207) 231-4593.