Stained glass windows depicting the world's top petroleum tycoons, cast bronzes of migratory bird flight patterns and chairs fashioned from discarded shipping pallets are some of the 14 large-scale sculptural projects to be on exhibited throughout the Sonoma State University campus from May 15-25 in Rohnert Park.
The public is cordially invited to the artists' reception and tour of the projects on Thursday May 22, 4-6 p.m., in the SSU Sculpture Courtyard. "COMMENCE: Sculpture Projects 2008" will also be a highlight of the spring 2008 commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 24.
The exhibition includes projects widely ranging in concepts and materials - from Diana Meehan's "Migration," an expression in cast bronze of migratory bird flight patterns to Nicholas Harris' confrontational stained glass windows depicting the world's top petroleum tycoons.
The Sonoma State University Sculpture Department, under the direction of Professor Jann Nunn, has created a unique opportunity for students to realize large-scale, temporary outdoor sculptures for the public on campus grounds.
Itzul Gutierrez constructs and displays a diaphanous use of coffee filters while Robert Van Noord uses materials that challenge the viewers' perceptions of authenticity. Tamara DePaulo's procession of cement ashtray urns brings forth an interaction and reaction regarding addictions. Brook Johnson has created an hierarchy of chairs fashioned from discarded shipping pallets.
Other works include: Larry Fahy's "North Coast Breaker," a 3D representation of Hokusai's "Great Wave Off Kanagawa"; two works by graduating BFA student Joshua Forth that speak to the duality of life's monotony and absurdity; Greg Looney's "Bellowar," depicting his inner artistic battles; Nick Robles' three
dimensional line drawing in steel; Andrew Sanchez's haunting "Consigned to Oblivion"; Andrew Sofie's "Blanket Escape," actual bed sheets cascading from a third floor window of Stevenson Hall; and Nicole Stier's "Reassurances," a 7-foot-tall wood carving of a blanket.
"The expressed objectives are to not only enhance the already beautiful campus environment, but to showcase of the strong visual arts program at Sonoma State and to give students a hands-on educational experience that fosters their post-college careers as practicing visual artists," she says.
For further information, contact Jann Nunn, Associate Professor of Sculpture, jann.nunn@sonoma.edu, (707) 664-3043.
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