Faculty Work on Display in Merwin and Wakeley Galleries
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. –– The Merwin and Wakeley Galleries in the Ames School of Art and Design are showcasing a Faculty Biennial Exhibit alongside the artwork of Emeritus Professor of Art History Timothy Garvey from Sept. 3 to Oct. 17, 2019.
A celebratory reception will take place on Oct. 5, 2019 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the galleries. The galleries and the reception event are free and open to the public.
The Merwin Gallery is hosting the Faculty Biennial Exhibit, which showcases the work of IWU faculty in the Ames School of Art and Design. It features a variety of art from Associate Professor of Art Connie Estep, Assistant Professor of Art Joshua Lowe, Adjunct Assistant Professor Claire Hedden, Visiting Assistant Professor of Design Technology and Entrepreneurship Mark Genrich, and Adjunct Assistant Professor and Director of Galleries Carmen Lozar.
The Wakeley Gallery features the work of Garvey who joined the faculty at Illinois Wesleyan in 1980 after earning a second master's degree and a Ph.D. in art history at the University of Minnesota. In addition to his study of the history of art, Garvey spends a good deal of time in his local studio, his primary mediums being wood and drawing.
“His large wood constructions are narrative but also poetic, each piece is a wealth of craftsmanship and care,” Lozer said. “The drawings included in the exhibition are recent works from Tim. The images were created with ink, prismacolor pencil and art stix. For me, the subject matter is both irreverent and honest. These drawings encapsulate Tim’s distinct style along with a bit of mischievous mirth.”
Garvey studied art history for over 30 years, and incorporates that knowledge into his personal work.
“The examination of objects made by others gradually became less meaningful to me than the physical act of fashioning objects of my own,” explained Garvey. “My knowledge of the images and issues addressed by others informs much of what I do in my own work.”
Both galleries can be visited at the Ames School of Art and Design Building (6 Ames Plaza West, Bloomington). Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday evenings 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
By Megan Baker ’21