Reflection (curated by Teen Art Group)

University Galleries of Illinois State University is pleased to present Reflection from May 20 through July 28, 2024. All events are free and open to the public.

University Galleries’ Teen Art Group, composed of students from Bloomington High School, developed the concept, theme, checklist, and layout of the exhibition. The Teen Art Group invited regional artists to submit artworks that interpret the theme of reflection. In the selected paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, mixed-media works, and video, reflection suggests the act of looking forward or backward, inward or outward. It also addresses the mirroring of reflective surfaces.

Exhibiting artists include Illinois State University students and alumni; Lexington High School, Bloomington High School, and El Paso Gridley High School students; art educators; and owners of art-related businesses. Artists: Jan Brandt, Milo Cline, Ella Cooper, Mary Doll, Danell Dvorak, Ben Gardner, Jenna Germano, Steve Gossard, Rick Harney, Dante Hernandez, Barbara Hertel, William Hopper, Beth M. House, H.A. Hugenberg, Santino Lamancusa, Emily Lehman, Angeline Manalo, Sharini Menon, Kathryn C. Novotny, Alondra Quezada, Peg Schickedanz, Miette Smith-Golwitzer, Emilee Spicer, Thomas Stone, Montana White, Amy Wolfe, Amy Yeager, and Keith Zimmerman.

Teen Art Group members include Jocelyn Anderson, Angeline Manalo, Ivan Martin, Sharini Menon, Ryleigh O'Dell, Miette Smith-Golwitzer, and Montana White.

The Teen Art Group was founded in 2018 at University Galleries by Kendra Paitz (director and chief curator at University Galleries) in partnership with Monica Estabrook (art teacher at Bloomington High School). The inaugural year was supported by a grant from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation—Mirza Arts and Culture Fund. Each academic year, Teen Art Group participants engage in professional development activities, take field trips, and curate an exhibition. The 2023–2024 cohort was led by Paitz, Estabrook, and Tanya Scott (curator of education at University Galleries). The group took a field trip to the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Cultural Center; participated in meetings and exhibition tours at University Galleries; met with artists Jan Brandt and Rick Harney; and organized this exhibition.

Teen Art Group is supported by University Galleries’ grant from the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation—Mirza Arts and Culture Fund. Additional support is provided by the Lori Baum and Aaron Henkelman University Galleries Community Fund.

Events

Fridays (May 24 through July 26) from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Independent drawing hour. Look closely at artworks in the exhibition and draw at your own pace. No registration required. Materials provided.
Saturdays (May 25, June 1, June 22, July 13, July 20) from 11:00 a.m. to noon
Sensory-friendly hour. Visit before opening hours to enjoy dimmed lighting and a quiet space.
Wednesdays (May 29, June 12, July 3, July 17) from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Sensory-friendly hour. Visit before opening hours to enjoy dimmed lighting and a quiet space.
Saturday, June 8 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
Drop-in art-making workshop for all ages. Explore the concept of figure/ground relationships through drawing, sculpture, and photography. No registration required. Materials and instruction provided.
Saturday, June 22 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
Drop-in art-making workshop for all ages. View Ilse Bing’s photographs and explore digital photography. No registration required. Materials and instruction provided.
Thursday, June 27 from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Stop-motion animation workshop for all ages. Registration required . Materials and instruction provided.
Friday, June 28 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Poetry workshop. Write and perform poems in response to artworks on view.
Saturday, July 13 from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Weaving workshop for adults. Create a textile inspired by Naomi Whiting Towner’s textiles. Registration required . Materials and instruction provided.
Wednesday, July 17 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Poetry workshop. Write and perform poems in response to artworks on view.
Friday, July 19 from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Stop-motion animation workshop for all ages. Registration required . Materials and instruction provided.
Saturday, July 20 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
Hand-sewing workshop for families. Create miniature hand-stitched pillows in a shape of your choice inspired by Camila Marianela’s soft sculptures. Recommended for children and their caregivers. Registration required . Materials and instruction provided.
Tuesday through Friday, July 23 through July 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Summer camp for ages 10 through 14. Registration required . All materials provided.
Saturday, July 27 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Closing reception for the exhibition
Free curator-led exhibition tours and workshops are available by appointment for classes and community groups. Contact Gallery@IllinoisState.edu to schedule.

University Galleries

University Galleries, a unit in the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, is located at 11 Uptown Circle, Suite 103, at the corner of Beaufort and Broadway streets. Parking is available in the Uptown Station parking deck located directly above University Galleries—the first hour is free, as well as any time after 5:01 p.m.

You can find University Galleries on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and sign up to receive email updates through the newsletter. Please contact gallery@IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-5487 if you need to arrange an accommodation to participate in any events related to these exhibitions.

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