Flynne Sargent, a senior elementary education major at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has always been inspired by the natural world and is drawn to photograph it through her own personal lens. While she has displayed her work online and at home, participating in the second annual Nohr Gallery Small Works Exhibition was something special.
Nohr Gallery recently hosted an opening reception for the second annual Small Works Exhibition. This juried exhibition was open to all UW-Platteville students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. Participants were asked to submit artwork to be juried by the Nohr Gallery staff and the faculty and staff of the Department of Performing and Visual Arts Art program with the stipulation that the artwork must be 12 inches or less in all dimensions and for sale.
This year’s exhibition includes artwork by 18 artists in a vast variety of mediums and levels of gallery experience, including everyone from first time exhibitors to art majors to practicing artists and distant alumni.
“I think allowing anyone to submit their artwork to this exhibition is a spectacular opportunity,” said Sargent. “Seeing all the different styles and media in the exhibit was exciting. Each piece of art really stood alone, and it made each piece special. This opportunity allows an artist to have their first experience of exhibiting their work in a gallery. The Small Works Exhibition opens the door for all types of artists.”
John J. Richard, a practicing ceramic artist, UW-Platteville alumnus (class of 1973), former art educator and UW-Platteville ceramic lab assistant agrees with this sentiment. For him, interacting with the students and visitors at the show not only gives him a platform to share about his artwork and receive feedback but also gives him the opportunity to inspire others to think about their artwork in new ways.
“Seeing new and innovative work inspires students,” said Richard. “My modular system of casting is complicated, and most people do not know how I make my work. So, to have an opportunity to talk to people about it and receive feedback from others is good.”
Visitors can stop by the second annual Nohr Gallery Small Works Exhibition weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Tuesday, Nov. 7. The gallery will host a late visit night on Monday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. to allow visitors one last chance to stop by the gallery after typical operating hours to check out the work.
The Harry and Laura Nohr Gallery offers access to high quality cultural and educational opportunities in the visual arts, free of charge, to the students, faculty and staff of UW-Platteville and the people of Platteville and the Southwest Wisconsin region. Nohr Gallery is located in the lower level of Ullsvik Hall on the UW-Platteville main campus.