From February to March, the Wilson Gallery, located on the second floor of Krannart Fine Arts Center, becomes a canvas for the artistic expressions of Anderson University’s current faculty and esteemed alumni. The theme of the exhibit, “Surroundings,” is brought to life by three artists–Holly Sims, Jeffrey Jackson and Kameron Robinson. Their art, as diverse as their mediums– from plein air easel and pallet knife to ceramic vases and spray paints– captures the essence of the spaces and moments we inhabit.
Each artist, with their unique style, paints a vivid picture of their surroundings. Sims, an assistant professor at AU, embarked on a summer cross-country trip, her canvas capturing the journey. She said, “I didn’t set out knowing what people would take away from my art, I didn’t even know what I was going to get out of it going into it.”
Yet, she returned with a collection of stunning moments from across the U.S., with Colorado’s warm hues and the California coast among her favorites.
Robinson’s art serves a dual purpose– to raise awareness and to prompt viewers to reflect on their role within their ecosystem and community. He says, “Nature has a slow rhythm… as a whole and from a teleological perspective… I attempt to take this concept and visually interpret it through clay.” His ceramics, inspired by the ebb and flow of the White River, its varying depths and local materials, encapsulate the river’s essence.
Jackson also seeks to present the depth of the world through his art. Using spray paints, Jackson explores the interplay of light and shadow. He allows, “nature to be a teacher” and attempts to “capture nature’s immense depth in a flat medium.” This mastery of light bridges the two-dimensional medium and the three-dimensional form.
The gallery exhibit serves to prompt viewers to experience their surroundings. The art pieces provide new lenses and perspectives that transform one’s perception of the spaces and moments in which they live. The Wilson Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day excluding school breaks.