Finlandia International School of Art and Design Faculty Exhibit opens Feb. 24

HANCOCK -- Finlandia University’s International School of Art and Design will present an exhibit of work by university faculty from Feb. 24 through Mar. 22, 2011, at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock.

An opening reception for the artists will take place at the gallery from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

This year’s exhibit features new works by Finlandia University art and design faculty, faculty emeritus, and adjunct faculty.

Ceramics, sustainable design, painting and drawing, fiber art, and graphic design are among the media represented in the exhibit. The artists are Yueh-mei Cheng, Phyllis Fredendall, Arthur Hill, Rick Loduha, Denise Vandeville, Jon Brookhouse, Colleen Carroll, Cynthia Coté, Carrie Flaspohler, Greg Green, Melissa Hronkin, Laura Smyth, and Derik Spoon.

Phyllis Fredendall, associate professor of fiber arts and fashion design, will exhibit jacquard fabric that she designed using the computer software she teaches her students to use.

"Kuusamo Stripes." Knitted yardage by fiber artist Phyllis Fredendall.

"The fiber studio at Finlandia has three main directions: weaving and off-loom structures, dyeing and printing, and garment design. With so many areas within one concentration, it is important that I explore the processes we study along with the students," Fredendall says. "Some of these explorations are in the show."

Rick Loduha, associate professor of integrated design, will present his work from the Sustainable Keweenaw Resource Center’s Green Map project. The Keweenaw Green Map is an online map charting how local businesses, projects, happenings, and other activities play a part in sustainable community development.

A fabric piece titled "Levity" by Cynthia Coté, adjunct professor and director of the Copper Country Community Arts Center, Hancock, explores the question, If a soul was a tangible thing, what would it look like? The piece is part of a series she is creating in an effort to mend and celebrate the hardworking components of her body.

Adjunct professor Melissa Hronkin’s contribution to this year’s exhibit uses encaustics, an ancient medium using pigmented beeswax.

"Reconstructing the hive II," 2011, by Melissa Hronkin.

"I approach this medium experimentally," notes Hronkin about her use of encaustics. "And I use it as a medium to bind together my photography, drawing, sculptures, and ideas."

The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, noon to 4 p.m., or by appointment.

Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.