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NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Leslie Gruesbeck (gruesbeckl@nsula.edu)
Coordinator of Gallery Activities
Department of Fine and Graphic Arts
Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear
School of Creative and Performing Arts
Northwestern State University
(318) 357-5476
2/8/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - "Encased," an exhibition of recent works including encaustics on board by Louisiana artist Preston Gilchrist is on display at Northwestern State University's Orville J. Hanchey Gallery, through Feb. 23
Gilchrist, graduated from Northwestern in 1993 with a Master of Art; he later pursued and was awarded a Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana Tech University. Gilchrist is the Artistic Director of River Oaks Square Arts Center in Alexandria and serves as adjunct faculty for Louisiana College in Pineville and Louisiana State University at Alexandria. He is the director of ARTWORKS Summer Program, a non-residential summer program for 5- to 12-year-old children. Gilchrist has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions. Baton Rouge Gallery in Baton Rouge and Steve Martin Gallery in New Orleans represent Gilchrist.
Says Gilchrist of his work, "I have been making encaustic paintings for about ten to twelve years, and this technique has many subtleties and surprises to discover. I enjoy the immediacy of the drying wax, and the way repeated surface manipulations are possible. While I have never been bored with the process, the intent of my work is not tied to the technique. I am fascinated by the idea that even as our own life experience shapes us as individuals, our personal experience becomes a common bond we all share. If we are fortunate we may know a variety of emotions such as love, joy, happiness.... The list can be endless. And perhaps when less fortunate we may undergo emotions that are unpleasant such as sadness or grief. These feelings are universal, even when our experiences are different. Looking at an image becomes an exchange of ideas, and this exchange is always shaped by our own perspective. An object may have a significance to me that is quite different to another viewer. In fact I greatly enjoy art which has an ambiguity that allows multiple interpretations of the image. In my own work I try to tell simple stories about some of my own concerns. When someone looks at my work, the stories contained within them grow and mature with their retelling."
An exhibit of 12 sculptures by NSU Professor of Art Michael Yankowski will be on display in Gallery 2, Located in room 200 G, on the second floor of the A. A. Fredrick's building. The exhibit entitled "Artist of Faith" can be seen from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday through Feb. 16.
These sculptures contain spiritual and religious overtones and incorporate a wide variety of symbols associated with the Christian faith. Yankowski incorporates various woods, metal, glass and other materials to construct unique personal visions rooted in biblical teachings. The small vignettes are meticulously crafted, drawing the viewer into the detail.
Yankowski has been a Professor of Art at Northwestern State University for the past 20 years. He exhibits nationally and was awarded a Louisiana Artists Fellowship in 2000 for his sculptures.
This is a "sneak preview" as the collection will be traveling to the Carol Robinson Gallery, 840 Napoleon Ave. in New Orleans to be displayed during the Lenten Season from March 3 April 6.
Daily hours of each gallery are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.