Finlandia Art and Design Diploma Works Exhibit to continue through June 11

HANCOCK -- The International School of Art and Design (ISAD) 2011 Diploma Works Exhibition is featured at the Finlandia University Gallery through June 11, 2011. The gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

"Desire Path." Hand-spun, hand-knit wire-core yarn. By Audrey Chamberlain. (Photos courtesy Finlandia University)

A reception for the artists will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the gallery Saturday, April 30, 2011. The artists will be introduced at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

The artworks featured in the annual Diploma Works exhibit represent the final body of student work for each graduating bachelor of fine arts (BFA) student. The works include intensive research projects, series of individual artworks, and design prototypes. A variety of media is represented, including painting, illustration, sculpture, fashion design, graphic design, interdisciplinary design, and ceramics.

"The work is diverse and exceptional," said Denise Vandeville, ISAD dean. "I speak for all the ISAD faculty and staff when I say how proud we are of the ISAD Class of 2011."

"Keweenaw National Historic Park" poster series by Jill Codere.

Gallery Director Carrie Flaspohler said she was excited for the community to see the work of these talented graduating seniors.

"The variety of media and techniques highlights the talent of these ISAD students, and the quality of their work is exceptional," Flaspohler noted.

The 2011 ISAD graduating seniors are Jessica Anders (Houghton), Elyse Beebe (Peru, Ind.), Andrew Blake (Chassell), Audrey Chamberlain (Houghton), Jill Codere (Lake Linden), Susanne Danielson (Kingsford), J.R. DeMers (Hancock), Jessica Eichhorn (Wallace), Joshua Jaehnig (Hancock), Kevin Korte (Kennewick, Wash.), Hayley Laban (Houghton), Deanna Makela (Ishpeming), Amanda Moyer (Livonia), Rachel Reidenga (Wetmore), Skyler Ross (Calumet), Jessica Spear (Hancock), Stephanie Trevino (Hubbell), Benjamin Westcott (Iron Mountain), and Abbi Zablocki (Iron Mountain).

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy St., Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by appointment.

Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.