The 2019 MFA Biennial presents the work of fourteen students enrolled in the School of Art’s Master’s of Fine Arts program at Illinois State University. These artists are at various points in the three-year program that is dedicated to helping them “develop a mature body of work by exploring the relationship between active studio practice and rigorous intellectual inquiry.” Their artwork dynamically engages the mediums of painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, glass, video, ceramics, sound, installation, sculpture, and performance.
This is the third MFA Biennial to be held at University Galleries’ space at Uptown Station, providing the local community an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse and fresh talents of the MFA students in the vibrant center of the Town of Normal.
Exhibiting artists: Travis Adams, Jennifer Castanon, Rebecca Frank, Anthony Hamilton, Shahrbanoo Hamzeh, Kirsten Heteji, Chrissy LaMaster, Emily Lehman, Molly Markow, Spencer Molnar, Barrymore Moton, Josh Roach, Erika Shiba, and Mary Wilhelm.
All events are free and open to the public. Contact gallery@ilstu.edu or 309.438.5487 to schedule exhibition tours.
Events
January 10 through February 1
Free curator-led tours and workshops are available by appointment throughout the exhibition. Contact gallery@ilstu.edu or 309.438.5487.
Saturday, January 12 at 1pm
Exhibition tour and workshop co-presented with the Children’s Discovery Museum. Participants (ages 7-10) will meet at the CDM, come to University Galleries for an exhibition tour, and return to the CDM for an exhibition-related artmaking activity. Registration is required for this free program at childrensdiscoverymuseum.net. This program is made possible by an Illinois Prairie Community Foundation—Mirza Arts and Culture grant awarded to the CDM.
Friday, January 25, from 5 to 7pm
Public reception with the artists, featuring a performance by Josh Roach