News
Chili Bowl Sale
This successful student fund-raising event has become an annual autumn ritual on the UE campus. Each fall, the ceramics students create nearly 500 bowls from which visitors may select on the day of the sale. The purchase of a bowl includes a superb chili cooked by the ceramics instructor and served for lunch. For more information on location and date, contact the Department of Art at 812-488-2043.
News Releases
22nd Annual Chili Bowl Sale returns on October 3 at University of Evansville
Posted: September 18, 2024
For the 22nd year, the University of Evansville (UE) Clay Club and Department of Art are excited to announce their annual Chili Bowl Sale that will take place on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on the East Terrace Lawn near Ridgway University Center.
This longstanding tradition and philanthropy allow the community to purchase handcrafted ceramic bowls created by UE faculty, staff, and students, with a large portion of the proceeds supporting a food agency to fight local hunger.
"This tradition offers the community the chance to own one-of-a-kind, handmade bowls, all while supporting our students and community," said Todd Matteson, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Art. "It's a wonderful way to showcase our creativity and craftsmanship, while giving back to the community. The funds raised allow us to continue fostering innovation and hands-on experiences in changing the world."
Bowls will be available for purchase, priced from $10 to $100. Each purchase includes a complimentary serving of chili sponsored by Chartwells Dining Services. Attendees are encouraged to buy a bowl, enjoy some chili, and spend time with friends. Some of the funds raised help the Clay Club with materials and travel to conferences and exhibitions.
In the event of rain, the Chili Bowl Sale will move indoors to Eykamp Hall in Ridgway University Center. Please note that cash or checks are the only forms of payment accepted for this event.
For additional information, please call the UE Department of Art at 812-488-2043.
UE Department of Art Receives $36,000 in Grants from the Efroymson Family Fund to Enhance Art Programs and Collections
Posted: June 26, 2024
The University of Evansville (UE) Department of Art has received $36,000 in grants from the Efroymson Family Fund to expand current programming and bolster the University's permanent art collections. This generous support, initiated by Jeremy Efroymson, marks a fruitful thirteen-year partnership that has significantly advanced the visual arts at UE.
The Efroymson Family Fund is dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities through support for cultural, educational, and community development initiatives. Their ongoing generosity has made them a vital partner in the advancement of arts and education at the University.
"The funding for the permanent collections has been a long time coming, so this is a blessing and a wonderful start to making it better," said Todd A. Matteson, Chair and Associate Professor of Art. "We are deeply grateful to the Efroymson Family Fund for their ongoing support. These grants will greatly impact our ability to nurture and showcase visual arts at UE for generations to come."
100 percent of the contributions are allocated to specific initiatives, thereby maximizing their impact and enabling the Department of Art to thrive. A bulk of the funding will enhance the permanent art collections housed in Krannert Hall of Art and Music since 1962. These funds will be used to upgrade storage facilities with new shelving and cabinets, establish a repair station for maintaining artwork, and install secure display cases and frame locks. This investment will ensure the proper preservation and safe exhibition of thousands of pieces from distinguished collections like the James Dicke, Karl Kae Knecht, and Merrill Snethen Collections, benefiting both the University and the broader community.
"The expansion and proper management of the permanent collections not only preserve the University's cultural heritage but also provide students with valuable educational resources and foster interdisciplinary collaborations," added Matteson. "The grant funding and ultimate initiative aligns with UE's commitment to enhancing its reputation and strengthening connections within the community."
To learn more, visit dos5.net/art.
UE Clay Club Donates Thousands to Community Food Bank
Posted: January 18, 2024
The Clay Club held its 21st annual Chili Bowl Sale on the University of Evansville campus on October 31, 2023. There were over 500 handmade ceramic bowls for sale, with the majority being sold for $10 and others ranging from $15 to $100. In previous years, the sale of the bowls lasted from 15 to 30 minutes. In 2023, the bowls sold out in a record time of six minutes and 30 seconds. People waited in lines longer for chili than they waited to buy the bowls.
Photo: Alayna Acree, President of UE Clay Club, and Professor Todd Matteson, Advisor to UE Clay Club, present a check to Amanda Drew, Community Food Bank, in the sum of $6880.00.
The Chili Bowl Sale brings one of the largest crowds to campus, and the crowd for 2023 was twice as large as the previous year. This event draws a large turnout from not only the campus community but also the public.
“We have families that drive over two hours to be here,” said Todd Matteson, Chair of the Department of Art. “The sale is anticipated every year and has become a tradition for many.”
This year the UE Clay Club chose the Community Food Bank Inc. of Dubois County as its beneficiary. The club has a member that personally benefitted from this charity in the past and wanted to pay it forward. The UE Clay Club decided to donate all profits this year to the Community Food Bank.
Since 2016, when the UE Clay Club became a Student Government Association-sponsored group, they have been operating the Chili Bowl Sale as a philanthropic event and fundraiser, donating close to $30,000 to fight hunger. Each year the UE Clay Club members must research and decide which organization they want to support.
Matteson has two requirements for the students as they choose where to donate: first, the organization needs to be mostly funded by private donors; and two, they must spread the gifts to organizations inside and outside of Vanderburgh County. This is done on a rotating basis.
“We have a lot of students that also reside in the surrounding counties, and those counties need our support too,” said Matteson. “This furthers UE's commitment to fighting hunger within the greater community.”
Annual Chili Bowl Sale Returns for 21st Year at University of Evansville
Posted: October 19, 2023
On Tuesday, October 31, the hearty smell of chili will fill the air at the University of Evansville (UE) when the Clay Club holds its 21st annual Chili Bowl Sale.
From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or until the bowls and chili run out, UE Clay Club members will serve chili from open-air cauldrons on the East Terrace Lawn near the Ridgway University Center.
This community event draws not only UE students and staff but also friends from afar. Customers select a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl made by UE art students, enjoy chili for lunch, and keep the bowl.
For $10, attendees can purchase a unique ceramic bowl and fill it with chili. For those who prefer to preserve their pristine bowls, lidded containers will also be available. The event also offers larger, handcrafted bowls, priced between $15 and $100, making it a must-attend for both chili lovers and art enthusiasts.
A significant portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local food organization, furthering UE's commitment to fighting hunger within the community. The remaining funds will be allocated to the UE Clay Club, providing essential support for students' attendance at conferences, hosting visiting artists, and embarking on studio and gallery visits.
For additional information, please call the UE Department of Art at 812-488-2043.
Efroymson Family Fund Supports UE Art, Creates New Endeavors
Posted: August 3, 2022
The University of Evansville (UE) has received support for its Department of Art from the Efroymson Family Fund for the 2022-23 academic year. The generous gift, which marks the 11th year of annual support from the family, will fund existing traditions and create new opportunities for art students.
“The Department of Art is deeply committed to providing high-quality, unique experiences for students, and the Efroymson Family Fund is helping us do exactly that,” said Todd Matteson, chair of the UE Department of Art. “We are excited to enhance our students’ education and share even more art with the community through this gift.”
The Efroymson Family Emerging Contemporary Artists Lecture Series will continue into the next academic year. Through this initiative, professional artists will be selected to display artwork in the Melvin Peterson and Krannert Galleries. During this time, art students interact with the professional artist through lectures and workshops, and the public is invited to view the galleries.
Each year, the fund also supports a marketing internship for a current art student. One intern is selected each semester to work closely with the department chair in designing print and digital materials that assist with recruitment, exhibitions and receptions, and departmental advertising. The paid internship provides beneficial, hands-on experience that allows for growth beyond the classroom.
For the second year in a row, the Efroymson Family Fund will provide a Bridge Fellowship Program. The UE Department of Art will extend this opportunity to a recent art graduate who wishes to pursue further art education. This individual will work on research and assist with studio management and teaching. The fellow will also receive a studio space and exhibit their research. The assistance performed by the Bridge Year Fellow will allow current art faculty to dedicate more time to classrooms, student mentorship, and artwork.
“The Efroymson Family is proud to support the work of University of Evansville and its mission to empower each student to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully in a changing world,” said Jeremy Efroymson, vice chair of the Efroymson Family Fund.
Learn more about the UE Department of Art, or follow the department and the Melvin Peterson Gallery on Facebook.
About the Efroymson Family Fund
The Efroymson Family Fund, a donor-advised fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation, continues a long family legacy of charitable giving. The Efroymson Family Fund was established in 1998 by Dan and Lori Efroymson to promote the viability of communities, and to date, the family has awarded more than $123 million in grants in central Indiana and beyond. For more information about the Efroymson Family Fund, visit efroymsonfamilyfund.org.
"It Started with a Moose" Exhibit on Display in Krannert Gallery
Posted: February 23, 2022
The University of Evansville presents "It Started with a Moose," a watercolor exhibit by Diane Ubelhor-Wunderlich, on display at the Krannert Gallery now through March 27, 2022. The gallery is located inside the Krannert Hall of Art and Music. The gallery is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. each day.
A public reception for the artist will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2022, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The reception will be held in the Krannert Gallery. The exhibit and reception are part of the Emerging Contemporary Artist Lecture Series, sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund and the UE Department of Art.
Diane Ubelhor-Wunderlich studied at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where she developed a love for watercolor. In 2001 she attended a workshop in Montana by renowned wildlife artist, Robert Bateman, which advanced her interest in painting wildlife and the nature surrounding it. Ubelhor-Wunderlich has won several awards, and her work has been featured in multiple publications.
"I have a variety of subjects that I enjoy painting, but wildlife has been one of my favorites," said Ubelhor-Wunderlich. "As I paint, I try to bring out those same emotions that were evoked in me when I took the photo. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is getting out in nature. Photography has recently taken a new place near to my heart - as I’ve gotten out in the field, I’ve learned so much about the birds and wildlife. God‘s beautiful creation indeed has no boundaries!"
For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@dos5.net, or visit the gallery's Facebook page.
Art Exhibit "David Unsupervised" on Display at UE
Posted: January 21, 2022
The University of Evansville (UE) presents "David Unsupervised," an exhibit by David Gamble, on display at the Melvin Peterson Gallery through Saturday, February 26, 2022. The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located on Lincoln Avenue across the street from the UE campus.
The gallery is open to the public from noon until 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; and from noon until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
A public reception for the artist will be held on Thursday, February 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The reception will be held in the Melvin Peterson Gallery. Gamble will also conduct multiple workshops for art students while visiting.
The exhibit and reception are part of the Emerging Contemporary Artist Lecture Series, sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund and the UE Department of Art.
David Gamble has over four decades of balancing art and business in the ceramics industry. While making clay art and teaching, he also developed products and designed marketing campaigns. Gamble has conducted hundreds of workshops in North America, and he has participated in five clay symposiums in Eastern Europe. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree and contributes an educational focus to the kilns and pottery wheels for Skutt Ceramic Products.
"The glaze surface has always interested me more than the sculptural possibilities in clay," said Gamble. "I layer and multi-fire glaze combinations as if I were using oil paints. I have found I am able to produce what many might consider glaze defects, with some control. This allows me to achieve interesting surfaces, depth, and imagery like I were painting."
For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@dos5.net, or visit the gallery's Facebook page.
UE Clay Club to Host Annual Chili Bowl Sale on October 29
Posted: October 22, 2021
The UE Department of Art and Clay Club will host the annual Chili Bowl Sale on Friday, October 29, 2021 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will be held in Eykamp Hall, located inside Ridgway University Center off Walnut Street.
For $10, customers can buy one-of-a-kind ceramic bowls with the option of filling it with chili. To-go containers will also be available. Chartwells, the food service provider of UE, is co-sponsoring the event and providing chili. Chef Brown will be serving his own unique recipe. Larger bowls will be for sale from $15 to $50, and a silent auction will have artistic bowls on display, with price ranges from $75 to $125. Customers may purchase up to eight chili bowls, and cash or check (made out to UE Clay Club) will be accepted.
"A lot of hours went into creating these unique ceramic bowls," said Todd Matteson, chair of the Department of Art and Clay Club advisor. "The artists dedicated a lot of energy and hard work. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful group to work with on supporting such a great cause."
The bowls are made by members of the Clay Club as well as UE students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Evansville community. This year one hundred precent of the sales will go to St. Vincent de Paul's Food Pantry. The Clay Club chose this organization to assist in fighting hunger in the local area.
The Clay Club was established to further the knowledge of ceramic arts at UE and provide activities, both social and educational, to all interested students. Members raise funds to attend conferences, visit museums and galleries, and host visiting artists.
Art Exhibit by Mark Pease on Display
Posted: October 19, 2021
The UE Department of Art presents “You Can’t Call Clouds Clouds Because They’re Always Moving,” an exhibit by Mark Pease that will soon be on display at the Krannert Gallery. The exhibit will be available for public viewing from October 25 through December 11. The Krannert Gallery is located in the Krannert Hall of Art and Music on the UE campus.
The gallery is open from noon until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, it is open from noon until 6:00 p.m. Masks are required while indoors.
A reception for the artist will be held on Thursday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m. A lecture will follow at 7:00 p.m. Both events are free to the public and will be held in the Peterson Gallery, located on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Weinbach Avenue.
Mark Pease creates work in a variety of media, including printmaking, animation, 3D visualizations, painting, and photography. Through his work, he explores visual ideas inspired by consumer nostalgia, simulacra, suburban landscapes, and modernist architecture.
Currently, Mark is an associate professor of digital media at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. His courses incorporate the use of computer graphics, digital animation, video art, and 3D modeling. Mark’s work has been on display in national exhibitions such as Los Angeles, New York, and St. Louis.
For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@dos5.net, or visit the gallery's Facebook page.
Efroymson Family Fund Supports UE Art, Creates New Endeavors
Posted: July 8, 2021
The University of Evansville is grateful to receive support for the Department of Art from the Efroymson Family Fund. The generous gift from the family, which is in place for the 2021-22 academic year, will not only fund existing traditions within the department but also create new opportunities for art students.
“We are really excited to create a more impactful learning experience for our art students, thanks to the Efroymson Family Fund,” said Todd Matteson, chair of the Department of Art. “Their contributions help us in preparing our students to be successful not just at UE, but beyond the classroom.”
With the support from the fund, the department will continue to welcome an artist to Evansville each semester as part of the Efroymson Family Emerging Contemporary Artists Lecture Series. The artist’s pieces will be on display in the Melvin Peterson Gallery as well as the Krannert Gallery. Art students are able to interact with professional artists through lectures and workshops, and the public is invited to view the galleries.
Each year, the fund supports a marketing internship for a current art student. One intern is selected each semester, and the student works closely with the department chair. The paid internship provides beneficial, hands-on experience, as the student will design print and digital materials that assist with recruitment, exhibitions and receptions, and departmental advertising.
The Efroymson Family Fund will, for the first time, provide a Bridge Fellowship Program for the upcoming academic year. This new program will deliver invaluable experience for a recent graduate for the Department of Art who wishes to pursue further education. They will work on research and assist with studio management and teaching. The fellow will also receive a studio space and exhibit their research. The assistance performed by the Bridge Year Fellow will allow current art faculty to dedicate more time to classrooms, student mentorship, and artwork.
“The University is tremendously grateful for the ongoing support from the Efroymson family,” said Sylvia DeVault, corporate and foundation relations officer for UE. “For ten years now, they have been supporters of the arts, which has created a lasting impact on our campus and in the Evansville community.”
Art Exhibit “SOMEWHERE ELSE” on display at UE
Posted: February 25, 2020
SOMEWHERE ELSE: Paintings by Erika Navarrete will be on display at the University of Evansville’s Krannert Gallery from March 1 – April 5, 2020. On Thursday, March 5, there will be a reception at 6:30 p.m.
Navarrete is an Evansville artist and adjunct faculty member at the University of Southern Indiana. About her art, she has said “My work centers on a long-term investigation into the relationships between people, particularly women, and their own self-awareness. Through painting, drawing and printmaking I attempt to visually create moments that cannot be clearly articulated in words. I am interested in the sensation of an awkward silence, an expressive gesture, a pensive moment, the moments that are neither before, nor after, but somewhere in between.”
The Krannert Gallery is located in the University’s Krannert Hall of Art and Music. The gallery’s hours are Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Sunday Noon – 8:00 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public. It is part of the Efroymson Family Fund Emerging Contemporary Artist Lecture Series, which is sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund and the UE Department of Art.
For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@dos5.net or visit the department’s Facebook page.
Todd Matteson Piece Selected to be Included in the National Ceramic Exhibition
Posted: February 12, 2020
Prof Todd Matteson’s piece, Mountain Pass (wall bowl), was selected by Juror, Eric Knoche, to be included in the National Ceramic Exhibition titled ‘Off the Table: Clay for the Wall’ sponsored by the Missouri Western State University Clay Guild. The Exhibition opens February 21, 2020 in the Potter Fine Arts Gallery located on the Missouri Western State University Campus in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Congratulations to Todd Matteson
Posted: February 4, 2020
Prof Todd Matteson’s piece, The Archer, was selected by Juror, Liz Publika, to be included in the 2020 Working Together exhibit.
The 27th Annual Working Together Exhbition is a collaborative exhibit presented by the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana and the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science. The artwork is displayed at the Evansville Museum from Sunday, January 19th thru Sunday, April 12th.
Brooksie Smith Receives February 2020 Employee Excellence Award
Posted: January 31, 2020
The campus community may know Brooksie as the Administrative Assistant in the Department of Art or as the Program Coordinator for the Center for Innovation and Change. Brooksie is a valued and deeply appreciated employee for both departments.
Brooksie also simultaneously serves the UE Board of Trustee Spouses as Liaison, UE Friends of Art Board of Directors, UE Parents Council, UE Welcome Committee, UE Social Committee, UE Secret Ace Originator, and UE Book Club Originator, UE Gives Back Day and UE United Way Gives Back Day. Brooksie has also supported 10 of our incoming students through the ‘Connect An Ace’ retention program. Brooksie is known as an encourager to everyone around her and is a very worthy recipient of the February 2020 Employee Excellence Award!
Strobel Awarded Grant
Posted: January 9, 2020
Heidi Strobel, Professor of Art History, has been awarded a Council of Independent Colleges Art History Faculty Development Grant. She will use half of the funds to take a group of art history and archaeology majors to research objects in the Ringling Museum of Art in the spring of 2020. The other half of the funds will be used for Strobel's research on textile artist Mary Linwood (1755-1845).
Art Exhibit “Fishing for Plankton” on display at UE
Posted: January 8, 2020
“Fishing for Plankton,” an exhibit by Jeff Bender, Efroymson Foundation Artist-in-Residence, will be on display at the University of Evansville’s Melvin Peterson Gallery from January 15 – February 29, 2020. On Thursday, February 6, there will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. and a lecture by the artist at 7:00 p.m. at the gallery.
These events are free and open to the public. They are part of the Efroymson Family Fund Emerging Contemporary Artist Lecture Series, which is sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund and the UE Department of Art.
Bender has said “My art is a record of childlike discovery...indistinguishable from play...My art, then, becomes a time to play, not a thing to make.”
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville. Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from noon-3:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from noon-6:00 p.m.
For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@dos5.net or visit the gallery’s Facebook page.
University of Evansville to host Art and Craft Sale on December 7
Posted: December 3, 2019
The University of Evansville Holiday and Art and Craft sale is set to be held on Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Melvin Peterson Gallery, located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues.
The annual event will be sponsored by the University of Evansville Department of Art and the University of Evansville Friends of Art. The event is free and open to the public.
"This is the perfect opportunity to find unusual holiday gifts made by local artists and crafts people," said Brooksie Smith of the art department. "Many were made by members of the UE community!"
All new UE friends of Art Memberships received during the Holiday Arts and Craft Sale will receive a $3.00 Honeymoon Coffee coupon, good for a discount on any item.
For more information contact the Department of Art at 812-488-2043.
UE's Annual Chili Bowl Sale to be Held October 17 at 11:30 a.m.
Posted: October 4, 2019
The University of Evansville’s Clay Club is set to present the annual Chili Bowl sale on Thursday October 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will be held outside at the Hyde Hall Lawn. The rain location will be inside Eykamp hall on the second floor of Ridgway.
Chartwells, the food service provider at UE, is co-sponsoring the event and providing chili.
For $10, customers can buy a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl and fill it will chili. Paper containers will be available for those who prefer not to put chili in their newly purchased bowls. Larger bowls from $15-$50 will also be for sale. Some more artistic larger bowls will be sold at a silent auction as well ranging in price from $60-$100.
The bowls are being made by members of the Clay Club and other UE students, faculty members, staff, alumni, and members of the community.
Half of the proceeds will be donated to Bread of Life Ministry INC. The Clay Club officers chose this organization for their work with education and feeding the less fortunate in the Evansville Community. The rest of the proceeds will be used by the Clay Club to attend conferences, visit museums and galleries, and host visiting artists.
Department of Art Associate Professor Todd A. Matteson Received Award of Recognition
Posted: September 17, 2019
Department of Art Associate Professor Todd A. Matteson was recognized for his Artwork, Many Paths on a Journey, at the 75th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition. He was awarded the Candy and Rick Shagley Award of Recognition. Professor Matteson’s artwork was the only ceramic piece juried into the exhibition.
UE Department of Art Announces Les Miley Artist’s Exhibition to run September 3 to October 19
Posted: August 26, 2019
The University of Evansville’s Department of Art will host an exhibition of selected works by UE professor emeritus, Les Miley, a nationally and internationally recognized artist and art educator. The exhibition will open on Tuesday, September 3 and runs until Sunday, October 19.
On Thursday, September 5, the public is invited to a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by an artist’s talk Miley at 7:00 p.m. in the Melvin Peterson Gallery at 1935 Lincoln Avenue in Evansville, Indiana.
Miley joined the UE art faculty in 1961 and retired as chair of the Department of Art in 2001. He served as the director and instructor of the Ceramics Workshop in New Harmony, Ind. From 1966 to 2009 and feature articles and photographs of his work have been included in nine prestigious publications.
The exhibition has been curated from several collections and will also include works by a selection Miley’s previous students.
“My works in clay are a celebration of life with an emphasis on the joyful, positive aspects of living in this world, said Miley. Fundamental to my work in clay, and in my living experience, is a sense of order combined with an element of chance.”
For more information, including gallery hours or to make a special appointment, please contact UE’s Department of Art at 812-488-2043 or art@dos5.net.
UE Department of Art Professor Todd Matteson accepted into Strictly Functional Pottery National
Posted: August 23, 2019
Associate Professor of Art Todd Matteson's "The Scales" piece has been accepted into the 27th annual Strictly Functional Pottery National in Lancaster, PA. Juror, Malcolm Mobutu Smith, selected about 102 pieces for the show from 98 entrants.
Associate Professor Todd A. Matteson Exhibits Artwork
Posted: August 12, 2019
Associate Professor of Art Todd A. Matteson, will be exhibiting work in the 75th Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition at the SWOPE Museum in Terre Haute. The exhibition runs from September 6 - October 20. The exhibition was juried by David Butler. There were 470 entries submitted by 165 artists! The juror selected a variety of styles and media, choosing 57 works by 45 artists. The piece chosen from Professor Matteson is "Many Paths on a Journey", 2018, clay, stoneware.
Associate Professor Todd A. Matteson nominated for Art Educator Award
Posted: August 12, 2019
Associate Professor Todd A. Matteson is up for the Art Educator Award through the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana. He was nominated by students and made the list of finalists for this prestigious award. The Arts Council Awards ceremony, Bringing Art into the Fold, recognizing individuals who made meaningful and significant contributions to arts and culture in Southwest Indiana, is Thursday, Aug. 15 at DoubleTree by Hilton in Downtown Evansville. Professor Matteson is also the artist commissioned to create the awards for event.
University of Evansville Department of Art Visual Communication Design Majors' Final Presentations to Berry Global Representatives
Posted: May 1, 2019
The University of Evansville Department of Art Visual Communication Design Majors’ gave their Final Presentations to Berry Global Representatives in the Melvin Peterson Gallery on Tuesday, April 30th. Students completed a rigorous packaging challenge involving conceptual, marketing, branding and design skills with a 3D printed prototype as the end result.
Associate Professor Todd A. Matteson exhibits artwork
Posted: May 1, 2019
University of Evansville associate Professor Todd A. Matteson has had two pieces accepted into the juried Art Noir exhibition at the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana.
The exhibition theme is "Black, White, and Grayscale."
Professor Matteson's two wall platters are landscape silhouettes of mountains created in his masking off technique. Each piece was hand painted with glazes.
The exhibition opens April 27 and runs through May 24.
Department of Art 57th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition 2019 People's Choice Award
Posted: April 12, 2019
University of Evansville student Stella Rodenberg has received the People’s Choice Award at the 57th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition 2019. Rodenberg received the award for her work titled “Viscera.”
57th Annual Student Art Exhibition 2019 winners announced
Posted: March 28, 2019
Several University of Evansville students recently had their work accepted into the 57th Annual Student Art Exhibition 2019. Those sudents who received awards for their work in the exhibit have been announced.
They are:
Best in Show Purchase Award
(This piece will become property of the UE Permanent Collection.)
Michaela Kunkler for “Tessellations”
1st Place Award of Excellence
Ling Lin for “Phoenix”
2nd Place Award of Excellence
Jiashi Ying for “Little Light of Mine”
3rd Place Award of Excellence
Madison Daniels “Like Mother, Like Daughter”
Melvin Peterson Award
Brittany Kerr for “Agate Ware Grey”
Gumbert's Award
Ling Lin
Dorothea Schechte Award
Ling Lin
Dean Long Award
Arleigh Ingram for “Self Portrait”
Les Miley Award
Hunter Camp for “Lidded Jar”
Emeriti Faculty Ward
Michaela Kunkler for “New Orleans”
Pund Award
Madison Daniels for “The Baggage We Carry”
Ashley Gray for “Self-Allusion”
Merit Award
Hope Boren for “Found Things”
Merit Award
Anna Brough for “Helena Forlorn”
Merit Award
Hannah Girten for “Reflection”
Merit Award
Libbey Huffine for “Iguanodon”
Merit Award
Bre-Anna Muller for “Architectural Confusion”
Merit Award
Jessica Peistrup for “Danger”
Program Cover Contest Winner
Ling Lin
Please note that the recipient of the 2019 People’s Choice Award will be announced at the conclusion of the UE Student Exhibition. All those who visit the Melvin Peterson Gallery to view the 2019 Student Exhibition have an opportunity to vote once for their favorite piece of artwork. The votes will be tabulated at the end of the 2019 Student Exhibition and the winner announced at that time. Visit the Melvin Peterson Gallery and VOTE!
The 2019 Student Art Exhibition will be on display in the Melvin Peterson Gallery until April 6.
UE’s Clay Club and Art Department to Present Artist and Ceramist Gail Russell
Posted: February 1, 2019
The University of Evansville Clay Club and Department of Art will welcome artist and ceramist Gail Russell to the University from February 5-6.
Russell will give demonstrations of throwing on a potter’s wheel on Tuesday, February 5, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., and Wednesday, February 6, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in the UE Ceramics Studio. She will also present a lecture on Tuesday, February 5, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Eykamp Hall, Room 255, Ridgway University Center. All of these events are free and open to the public.
Russell earned her MFA from the University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, and her BFA from UE. She has been owner, operator, and full-time artist potter at Peachblow Pottery in Lewis Center, Ohio, since 1986.
Russell has participated in approximately 125 exhibitions, taught numerous workshops, and executed many commissions. She has appeared in several books, including Introduction to Ceramics by Graham Flight, The Ceramic Surface by Mathias Osterman, and Contemporary Studio Porcelain by Peter Lane.
Russell was honored to be one of the workshop presenters for the inaugural Zanesville Prize Conference in October 2014. The highlight of this event is an international exhibition of contemporary ceramic art, with a top prize of $20,000.
For more information, contact the UE Department of Art at 812-488-2043 or email art@dos5.net.
Art Exhibit “Celebrating Life” on Display at UE
Posted: February 1, 2019
“Celebrating Life,” an exhibit by Cynthia Watson, visiting artist, will be on display at the University of Evansville’s Krannert Gallery in the Krannert Hall of Art and Music from February 18-March 31. On Thursday, February 21, there will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. at the gallery. These events are free and open to the public.
Watson attended the John Herron School of Art and Design from 1980-1982, and has studied under several nationally well-known artists during her career as an artist. An award-winning artist, her work has been displayed in many locations, including the Evansville Museum, the Women’s Institute, Deaconess Gateway, and the Audubon Museum. Watson lives in Evansville, Indiana, and teaches art to children and adults.
Watson’s expertise is mixed media, oil, watercolor, and acrylics, focusing on portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and abstracts. Her inspiration comes from within, evoking emotion, and further capturing interest through her choice of color. She is included in public and private collections, nationally and internationally, has won numerous awards for her art, and continues to exhibit locally. Watson’s studio is located at 401 SE Sixth Street, Suite 211, in Evansville, Indiana. She is available by appointment. Her art can also be viewed at Inman’s Frame Shop, Stac Gallery, and Facebook.
For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@dos5.net or visit the gallery’s Facebook page.
UE Holiday Art and Crafts Sale set for Thursday, November 29
Posted: November 21, 2018
The University of Evansville Holiday Art and Crafts Sale is planned for Thursday, November 29 from 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., in the Melvin Peterson Gallery. This annual event is sponsored by the University’s Department of Art.
This sale is an excellent opportunity to find unique gifts made by local artists and crafts people, many from the UE community.
For more information, please contact UE’s Department of Art at 812-488-2043.
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville.
Art Exhibit “History Lessons from the Future” on Display at UE
Posted: October 23, 2018
“History Lessons from the Future,” an exhibit by Johnathan Hittner, Efroymson Foundation Artist in Residence, will be on display at the University of Evansville’s Melvin Peterson Gallery from October 29-December 8. On Thursday, November 8, there will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. and a lecture by the artist at 7:00 p.m. at the gallery.
These events are free and open to the public. They are part of the Efroymson Family Fund Emerging Contemporary Artist Lecture Series, which is sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund and the UE Department of Art.
Hittner has called his work “a world of colors and shapes, mathematics, and theater swirling with delight and trepidation, certainty, and emptiness.”
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville. Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from noon-3:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from noon-6:00 p.m.
For more information, contact the UE Art Department of Art at 812-488-2043, email art@dos5.net or visit the gallery’s Facebook page.
Ralph Larmann Co-Authors for Thames & Hudson
Posted: October 22, 2018
Ralph M. Larmann, University of Evansville professor of art, has coauthored the third edition of a text for art and archeology publisher Thames & Hudson. Gateways to Art 3rd edition, by Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, and M. Kathryn Shields, is a general art text that introduces the topic from a variety of different perspectives.
Since the first edition, published in 2011, the text has grown into the best-selling art textbook in the world with over 250,000 copies sold. Besides the three main college editions, the text is available for high school AP courses, a British version for distribution outside the U.S., and Mandarin and Korean translations.
UE’s Annual Chili Bowl Sale planned for October 25
Posted: October 5, 2018
The University of Evansville’s Clay Club will present its annual Chili Bowl Sale on Thursday, October 25 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The event will be outside Hughes Hall, near the East Terrace Lawn across from Ridgway University Center. The rain location is Eykamp Hall, Room 253, and the Class of 1959 Gallery and Lounge in Ridgway University Center.
Chartwells, the food service provider at UE, is co-sponsoring the event and providing chili made by chef Don Brown under the direction of Chris Clay.
For $10, customers can buy a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl and fill it with chili. Paper containers will be available for those who prefer not to put chili in their newly purchased bowls. Larger bowls from $15-$50 will also be for sale. Some more artistic larger bowls will be sold at a silent auction as well, ranging in price from $60-$100.
The bowls are being made by members of the Clay Club and other UE students, faculty members, staff, alumni, and members of the community.
Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Potter's Wheel, Inner City Mission. The Clay Club officers chose this organization for their work with educating and feeding the less fortunate in the Evansville Community. The rest of the proceeds will be used by the Clay Club to attend conferences, visit museums and galleries, and host visiting artists.
Todd A. Matteson, Clay Club advisor and UE associate professor of art, noted that “a lot of hard work and long hours go into making the bowls. They are all hand crafted on the potter's wheel from a ball of clay. The artist has to center, form, alter, trim, dry, and then fire them, not once, but twice. The entire process is lengthy, but the outcome is a tremendous success. Most of the bowls have been glazed different from one another, but some of the bowls are glazed similarly, so patrons can have matching sets. Each bowl has its own uniqueness."
Ralph Larmann receives Best of Show Award
Posted: September 7, 2018
University of Evansville professor of art Ralph Larmann received the Best of Show Award for his painting Suspension Valley at the Jasper Community Arts 25th Annual Juried Art Exhibition in the Krempp Gallery at the Jasper Arts Center.
The exhibit includes a wide variety of media and techniques: watercolor, oil, acrylic, prints, photography, collage, sculpture, and graphite. The exhibit consists of two and three-dimensional work. Artists from Indiana and its contiguous states were eligible to apply.
The Juried Show Awards Reception was held on Thursday, September 6. $2,000 in prize monies were awarded in the categories of Best in Show, Award of Excellence, High Honor Award, and five Honorable Mentions.
The work will be part of the exhibition which continues through September 28. The Krempp Gallery, located in the Jasper Arts Center, is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., until 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays, and from noon - 3:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Art exhibit featuring local artists on display in UE’s Melvin Peterson Gallery
Posted: August 22, 2018
“Complementary Colors,” an exhibit by Evansville, Indiana, artists Connie Bell, Nikki Pritchett, and Jan Rhea Unfried will be on display at the University of Evansville’s Melvin Peterson Gallery from September 4-October 20. On Thursday, September 6, there will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. for the artists, whose work can be found in homes and businesses across the US and beyond. These events are free and open to the public.
The work of this trio of artists – a mother and two daughters – contrast in style and subject. Similarities lie in the vibrant color they all consistently infuse throughout their many paintings, and when displayed with one another, become “Complementary Colors.”
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville. Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from noon-3:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from noon-6:00 p.m.
For more information, contact 207-650-6073.
Art Exhibit Featuring Local Artists on Display in UE’s Melvin Peterson Gallery
Posted: August 6, 2018
Complementary Colors,” an exhibit by Evansville, Indiana, artists Connie Bell, Nikki Pritchett, and Jan Rhea Unfried will be on display at the University of Evansville’s Melvin Peterson Gallery from September 4-October 20.
On Thursday, September 6, there will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. for the artists, whose work can be found in homes and businesses across the US and beyond. These events are free and open to the public.
The work of this trio of artists – a mother and two daughters – contrast in style and subject. Similarities lie in the vibrant color they all consistently infuse throughout their many paintings, and when displayed with one another, become “Complementary Colors.”
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville. Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from noon-3:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from noon-6:00 p.m.
For more information, contact 207-650-6073.
Assistant professor Todd A. Matteson exhibits artwork
Posted: April 20, 2018
University of Evansville assistant professor of art Todd A. Matteson has had artwork accepted into the Working Together Exhibition sponsored by the Arts Council of Southwest Indiana and the Evansville Museum of Art.
The artwork titled, "Spiral Wandering," is one of his new wall pieces that uses masked off areas of clay body contrasting with a turquoise glaze. The exhibition is open until June 10 at the Evansville Museum of Art.
UE Alumni Spotlight Artist Event to Feature Janice Greene
Posted: March 21, 2018
The University of Evansville is planning an Alumni Spotlight Artist event for Janice Greene on March 29 in the Melvin Peterson Gallery. A reception for Greene is set for 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7:00 p.m. Some of her work will also be on display. This event, which is free and open to the public, is being sponsored by UE Friends of Art.
Greene attended the Louisville School of Art and received her BFA and MAA from UE. She retired from the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library in 2013 after 41 years as a graphic designer and exhibits coordinator. She taught figure drawing and printmaking at UE and is past-president of the Artist Collaborative, Henderson Society of Art, and the American Association of University Women, Evansville Branch.
Her art includes prints, drawings, mixed media, and artist-made books. The images she creates are related to landscape and nature: representational or abstract. Her surroundings are a constant influence: nature, and the urban and natural landscape. She is interested in textures, layers, reflective surfaces and their relationship with each other. Often she combines printmaking with other materials. Her recent works consist of watercolor, ceramic and handmade paper. Greene’s work has been exhibited in competitive, invitational and group shows in New York City, Seattle, New Hampshire, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Australia and New Zealand.
She has received many awards including the Evansville Artist Guild Brian Daves Award, Best of Show in the 94 Artist Collaborative Exhibition, the 2007 Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana “Artist of the Year” Award and the Phenomenal Women of USI & the Community Award: Women Inspiring Hope & Possibility in 2004. In 1983, along with four other artists, she received an Indiana Arts Commission Grant for the “Handmade Book Project.”
Greene’s work is represented in private and corporate collections, including UE, Old National Bank, Solarbron Pointe, Deaconess Hospital, and the Swope Museum. She is represented by the Begley Art Source, New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art, and The Rumjahn Gallery and Framery.
For more information, please call 812-488-2043.
Professor Todd A. Matteson exhibits artwork
Posted: January 23, 2018
Assistant professor Todd A. Matteson has had two artworks accepted into the juried 2" x 2" Miniature Exhibition at the Arts Council of Southwest Indiana. His artwork, "Duck-Napped, in Chrome" and "Duck-Napped, in Gold," are made of porcelain slip, stoneware, and bedding.
STEEL TOE art SHOW on Display in UE’s Melvin Peterson Gallery
Posted: January 17, 2018
“STEEL TOE art SHOW,” an exhibit by ceramic artists and University of Evansville graduates Matthew Gaddie and Brian Somerville, will be on display at UE’s Melvin Peterson Gallery until February 24. On Friday, February 23, there will be a reception at 6:30 p.m., and a lecture by the artists at 7:00 p.m.
These events, which are free and open to the public, are part of the Efroymson Family Fund Emerging Contemporary Artist Lecture Series.
Geddie earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from the University of Evansville, and his Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramic arts from Hood College. His studio is located in Bardstown, Kentucky. Somerville earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UE and his Master of Fine Arts degree from Florida Atlantic University. He lives and creates his art in Nashville.
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville. Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from noon-3:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from noon-6:00 p.m.
For more information, contact 207-650-6073.
UE’s Annual Chili Bowl Sale Planned for October 26
Posted: October 17, 2017
The University of Evansville’s annual Chili Bowl Sale is planned for October 26 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. The event, which is sponsored by the UE Clay Club, will be set up in the area between Hyde and Sampson Halls on UE’s campus. The rain location for the event is Eykamp Hall, Room 253, Ridgway University Center.
Chartwells, the new food service provider at UE, will provide the chili this year.
For $10, customers can buy a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl and fill it with chili. Styrofoam containers will be available for those who prefer not to put chili in their newly purchased bowls.
Smaller bowls priced at $5 and larger bowls ranging from $15-$50 will also be for sale at the event. There will be a few bowls sold at a Silent Auction as well, ranging in value from $60-$100.
The bowls are being made this year by members of the Clay Club and other UE students, faculty members, alumni, and members of the community.
Part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to At the Cross Mission in Mount Vernon, Indiana, which is a meal kitchen for the less fortunate. The rest will go to the Clay Club to be used to fund attendance at conferences, visiting artists, and studio/gallery visits.
Assistant professor Todd Matteson exhibits two artworks
Posted: October 16, 2017
Todd A. Matteson, assistant professor of art, had two pieces accepted into the Arts Council and the Evansville museum's juried 2017 Working Together exhibit.
The opening reception and awards ceremony is Thursday, October 19, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
The exhibit will be up through December 3.
Artist Lisa Pixley to Present Exhibit in UE’s Melvin Peterson Gallery
Posted: October 4, 2017
“Putting on Airs,” an exhibit of prints by artist Lisa Pixley, will be displayed at the University of Evansville’s Melvin Peterson Gallery from October 30-December 9. On Thursday, November 9, there will be a reception for Pixley at 6:30 p.m., and a lecture by the artist at 7:00 p.m. These events, which are free and open to the public, are part of the Efroymson Family Fund Emerging Contemporary Artist Lecture Series.
An artist printmaker located in Portland, Maine, Pixley earned her BFA with a concentration in painting from the Maine College of Art. After graduation, she began a commercial and artistic practice focusing on the craft of print. Pixley studied as an apprentice with David Wolfe of Wolfe Editions, where she worked closely with artists such as Charlie Hewitt and Allison Hildreth.
In 2009 Pixley founded Pickwick Independent Press in Portland, a for profit shared access print studio where she worked as director, master printer, and events coordinator, while also maintaining an active art practice in the medium of printmaking.
Pixley is currently developing a new venture: WIP Editions. WIP Editions will function as a storefront studio entity as well as an online presence. Under the imprint of WIP Editions, she will be developing a body of work showcasing suites of prints of her work as well as the work of invited artists.
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville.
For more information, contact 207-650-6073.
University of Evansville Art Exhibit to Feature Work of Fiber Artists
Posted: August 22, 2017
The work of six fiber artists will be featured in an exhibit at the University of Evansville in September and October. The exhibit titled "Fibervisions" will be on display in UE’s Melvin Peterson Gallery from September 11-October 22. There will be a reception for the artists on Thursday, September 14 at 6:30 p.m. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.
The artists whose work will be on display are Martha Aguilera, Erin Bowen, Teresa Greer, Karen Hampton, Dawn Murtaugh, and Laura Foster Nicholson.
The exhibit is supported in part by the UE Friends of Art.
For more information, please call the UE Department of Art at 812-488-2043.
UE plans Digital Artists Exhibit for April 1-May 6
Posted: March 20, 2017
An exhibit of the work of digital painters Jenna Citrus, Jan Frick Thompson, and Heather Landry is set for April 1-May 6 in the University of Evansville’s Krannert Gallery. A reception will take place April 20 at 5:30 p.m. These events are free and open to the public.
Citrus, a graduate of University of Southern Indiana, has been awarded an Efroymson Bridge Year Fellowship. She has received several awards for her work including First Place in Photography at the Evansville Museum and Best of Show in the Brescia College Best of Graphic Design Show. Her work has been published in Brainchild Magazine of Kent State University, Fishhook of University of Southern Indiana, and Photographer’s Forum, Best of Photography.
Thompson earned her BFA in advertising from Texas Woman’s University. Her work has been included in the North Carolina Photographers Annual Exhibition, and se has received awards of recognition in the Fayetteville Arts Council Annual Juried Art Exhibitions and the Fayetteville Museum of Art Annual Competitions. Thompson has also shown her work in the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana exhibitions.
Landry is a professional graphic artist with a prolific body of independent work, including several ongoing comic series. Her work has appeared in many local solo and group shows.
For more information, contact 207-650-6073.
UE 55th Annual Student Art Exhibit planned for March 13-April 1
Posted: March 6, 2017
The 55th Annual University of Evansville Student Art Exhibition is planned for March 13-April 1 in the Melvin Peterson Gallery. On March 20, there will be a reception from 5:00-6:00 p.m., with an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The exhibit, reception, and award ceremony are free and open to the public.
The jurist for the show and many of the student awards will be UE Class of 2003 graduate Matthew Gaddie, a professional production potter. Gaddie earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from the University of Evansville, and his Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramic arts from Hood College. His studio is located in Bardstown, Kentucky.
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville.
For more information, contact 207-650-6073.
Sculptor Chet Geiselman to Exhibit Work at UE Gallery
Posted: February 10, 2017
The work of sculptor Chet Geiselman will be on display in an exhibit at the Krannert Gallery in the Krannert Hall of Fine Arts on the University of Evansville campus from February 18-March 28. A reception will be held for Geiselman at 6:30 p.m. on March 16.
Geiselman earned a BS in Art from the University of Southern Indiana and an MFA in metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
He creates works that combine the familiar materials of wood and steel with re-contextualized found objects. In his works, the interplay of form and content generates a tension that is meditative, awkward, humorous, playful, and ultimately open-ended.
Geiselman grew up in a small German farming community in southern Indiana. His grandfather was a blacksmith, and his father and uncle were welders. Geiselman learned to weld and build things with his hands at a very early age. He has taught sculpture and metalsmithing at several colleges and universities over the years. He has shown his sculptures both nationally and internationally including six one-person exhibitions at Vale Craft Gallery in Chicago as well as numerous juried exhibitions.
Currently Geiselman is 3D studio manager and instructor of art – 3D foundations at Ball State University.
For more information, please call the UE Department of Art at 812-488-2043.
Artist Carissa Carman to Present Exhibit in UE’s Melvin Peterson Gallery
Posted: January 3, 2017
The University of Evansville Department of Art is presenting an exhibit of the work of multidisciplinary artist Carissa Carman in the Melvin Peterson Gallery, January 17-February 25. She will speak at a public lecture on Thursday, January 26, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception in the Melvin Peterson Gallery. She will also be offering a lecture and workshop for students. The exhibit and lectures are sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund.
Carman’s artwork incorporates social practice directed by the construction, design, and usability of specialty objects and services.
Carman earned her MFA in fibers at Concordia University, Montreal.
She has received grants from the Andy Warhol Foundation, New York Foundation of the Arts, New York Council of the Arts, and the Canada Council of the Arts, among others. Carman has presented at the Havana Biennial, the Textile Museum of Canada, and the Verge Art Fair. She has been published in the New York Times, New York Metro, Sculpture Magazine, and Espace Culture (Montreal).
She recently was selected as a Center for Craft Creativity and Design curatorial fellow. She has been part of numerous collaborative projects and collectives, SP Potluck, The Waterpod, Tie Up, Draw Down, and The Color Collective. Her work is in private collections at Yale University, Wesleyan University, RISD, and Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently a lecturer in textiles at Indiana University Bloomington.
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville.
UE Holiday Art and Crafts Sale Set for Thursday, December 1
Posted: November 17, 2016
The University of Evansville Holiday Art and Crafts Sale is planned for Thursday, December 1, from 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., in the Melvin Peterson Gallery. This annual event is sponsored by UE’s Department of Art.
Items for sale may include paintings, pottery, jewelry, soaps, knitted items, greeting cards, purses, bags, and wooden items. All items in the sale are handmade and designed by the artist or craftsman.
This sale is an excellent opportunity to find unique gifts for the holiday.
For more information, please contact UE’s Department of Art at dh196@dos5.net or 812-488-2043.
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville.
UE Chili Bowl Sale Returns on November 10
Posted: October 26, 2016
The University of Evansville’s Clay Club is bringing back its popular Chili Bowl Sale. The event took a hiatus last year but is returning on Thursday, November 10, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the area between Hyde and Sampson Halls on UE’s campus.
For $10, customers can buy a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl and fill it with chili. Styrofoam containers will be available for those who prefer not to put chili in their newly purchased bowls.
Smaller bowls priced at $5 and larger bowls ranging from $15-$50 will also be for sale at the event. There will be a few bowls sold at a Silent Auction as well.
The bowls are being made this year by members of the Clay Club and other UE students, UE faculty members and alumni, and members of the community.
Part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to Patchwork Central, a non-profit that provides Evansville area neighborhoods with a food pantry and many unique children’s programs. The rest will go to the Clay Club to be used to fund attendance at conferences, visiting artists, and studio/gallery visits.
Painter Sergio Gomez to Display His Work at UE’s Melvin Peterson Gallery
Posted: October 18, 2016
The University of Evansville Department of Art is presenting an exhibit of the work of Chicago painter Sergio Gomez in the Melvin Peterson Gallery, October 31-December 10.
Gomez will speak at a public lecture on Monday, November 7, at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception in the Melvin Peterson Gallery. He will also be offering a lecture and demonstration for students. The exhibit and lectures are sponsored by the Efroymson Family Fund.
A Chicago based visual artist, Gomez earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Northern Illinois University. As an art student at Governors State University, he was recipient of the Lincoln Laureate Medallion Award.
Gomez’s work has been the subject of solo exhibitions in the United States, Italy, Mexico, and Vienna. He has participated in group exhibitions in Spain, Sweden, Mexico, Korea, and the US. His work can be found in private and public collections of the National Museum of Mexican Art, Brauer Art Museum, and the MIIT Museo Internazionale Italia Arte among others.
Presently, Gomez is director of exhibitions at the Zhou B. Art Center and director of Art NXT Level Projects. He is a contributor for Italia Arte Magazine. In addition, Gomez is an art/design faculty member at South Suburban College and creative consultant for Idea Seat Marketing and Advertising.
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located at 1935 Lincoln Avenue on the corner of Lincoln and Weinbach Avenues in Evansville.
Local Artists David and Barbara Rodenberg to Display Work at UE
Posted: August 23, 2016
The work of local artists David and Barbara Rodenberg will be featured in an exhibit titled Rodenberg & Rodenberg from September 12 to October 22 in the Melvin Peterson Gallery at the University of Evansville. There will be a reception for the artists on Thursday, September 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the gallery.
David Rodenberg is a sculptor, potter, art educator, and UE graduate. His clay sculptures and functional work has won numerous awards in competitive shows for 41 years. His work can be seen in many collections in the US and abroad and has been included in shows in New Zealand and Germany. It has also been featured in a traveling exhibit that toured France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Barbara Rodenberg is a mixed media collage artist and writer. Her elegant collages are made of scraps of metal, old machine parts, road maps, old books and handmade paper. She has exhibited her work in the Evansville area since 2009.
The Melvin Peterson Gallery is located on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Weinbach Avenue. Gallery hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from noon-3:00 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from noon-6:00 p.m.
For more information, please call the UE Department of Art at 812-488-2043.
University of Evansville Announces Berger Awards for 2016
Posted: August 18, 2016
University of Evansville professors Ralph Larmann and Mari Plikuhn were honored recently with the Sadelle and Sydney Berger Awards for service and scholarly activity. The two were presented with the awards by Charlie Berger during UE’s Fall Conference.
Larmann, professor of art, was given the Berger Award for scholarly activity. He is very involved with the publication of educational texts, and is the co-writer of Gateways to Art, the best-selling art appreciation text in the United States. It has been adopted at approximately 400 universities and is required reading for many programs.
The London Times called the book’s third edition” one of the best books of 2015.” The London Times also featured it in a full-page review.
Larmann is also an accomplished artist. His work is often displayed in exhibitions at such prestigious galleries as the Swope Art Museum. His work “A Neighborhood of Citizens United” was accepted for exhibition in the Swope’s 69th Annual Wabash Valley Juried Exhibition and received a Nancy and Fred Nation Award of Recognition. In 2014 he exhibited as part of the ENW Exhibition that celebrated the opening of the renovated Evansville Museum.
Plikuhn, associate professor of sociology, was given the Berger Award for service. During her time at UE, she has worked tirelessly to serve the University and her department. She is Grand Marshall for UE’s commencement ceremonies, and co-chair of the Ceremonies Committee. She is also a member of the University’s Faculty Senate’s curriculum and athletic committees.
In addition, Plikuhn serves as faculty advisor for the Society of Social Research and the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society for the Social Sciences. She is a department representative for UE’s Open House academic fairs and academic sessions. Plikuhn serves as an advisor for the Major Discovery Program and is part of the Student Success Team.
In 2012, Plikuhn was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the UE Alumni Association. One of those nominating her for the honor noted that she “is willing to help students in any way possible.”
Painting by Ralph Larmann Accepted into National Competitive Juried Exhibition
Posted: June 6, 2016
Ralph Larmann, University of Evansville professor of art, had the painting Suspension Valley accepted into Subliminal: Hidden Messages, a national competitive juried exhibition that is being hosted by the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Only 35 works were accepted for exhibition by St. Louis juror Ali Cavanaugh. An opening reception and awards ceremony was held June 3 in Cape Girardeau. The exhibition will continue there until June 30 then move to the Arts Council’s new location for the remainder of the show’s duration.
More information about the exhibition, hours, and the new gallery space is available at artscouncil@capearts.org.
Global Scholars for 2016-17 Announced
Posted: May 31, 2016
The Institute for Global Enterprise has announced the Global Scholars for the 2016-17 academic year. They are: Jeffrey Braun, department chair and professor of physics; George Iber, professor of education; Richard Maass, assistant professor of political science; Valerie Milholland, adjust professor of art; and Gail Vignola, academic director of the writing center.
Each Global Scholar will receive a stipend and travel allowance.
Visit this website to read a brief description of each project.
As Global Scholars, the recipients of this award will engage in scholarship, curriculum development, and activities related to preparing our students and community for global leadership, citizenry, and success.
The Global Scholars program is supported by the John H. Schroeder Global Scholar Endowed Fund and the Lilly Endowment.
Winner chosen for Student Art Exhibit's 2016 People's Choice Award
Posted: April 14, 2016
The Department of Art is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2016 People's Choice Award is Madison Daniels.
Madison’s winning piece was titled “The Puppet of Rolling Emotions” and is a mixed media sculpture. Madison is a sophomore from Newburgh, Indiana, majoring in pre-art therapy.
Winner Chosen for UE Student Art Exhibit's 2016 People's Choice Award
Posted: April 14, 2016
The Department of Art at the University of Evansville has announced that UE student Madison Daniels is the winner of the 2016 People's Choice Award. The award is presented each year as part of the annual UE Student Art Exhibition.
Daniels, who is majoring in pre-art therapy, received the award for her mixed media sculpture titled "The Puppet of Rolling Emotions.”
Office Phone
812-488-2043
Office Email
art@dos5.net
Office Location
Room 212, Krannert Hall of Art and Music
