Who knows what art lurks in the hearts of our staff? University of New Mexico staff are invited to show another side to their persona at the annual “UNM Staff as Artists” show, sponsored by Staff Council as part of Staff Appreciation Week. An opening reception will be held Monday, June 18, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the John Sommers Gallery on the second floor of the Art & Art History building, room 202.
The reception features music by the Wolfie Quartet. Two awards will be presented: a people’s choice award selected by reception attendees and a judge’s award selected by Chip Ware, Jonson Gallery curator.
The show can also be viewed 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, June 18-21. Past shows have included quilts, photography, pottery and art of every media.
Barbara van Buskirk is a past contributor submitting new work this year. “I think it’s fascinating that people are defined by the job they do, and [the exhibit] shows that people are multifaceted and talented beyond the job they do,” she said. “It’s a quality exhibit. It’s a little jewel.”
A professional artist since 2000, van Buskirk became the part-time program coordinator for the Taos Summer Writers’ Conference, Department of English, in November after working at UNM full time for more than 12 years.
Before starting her current position, she had everything she needed for her art except time. “In order for my art to go to another level, something had to change,” she said. “When I saw this job for the Taos conference, it was like a dream come true.”
Sharon Oard Warner, director of creative writing and conference founder, said, “Right away, I recognized that she is a kindred spirit, someone who would be simpatico with participants and faculty members alike. And she has been all that and much more.”
Now, van Buskirk works at UNM every morning and in her studio at the Harwood Art Center every afternoon. “My art is going to a new place,” she said. “I’m very excited about a project I’ve just finished after two months of uninterrupted work in my studio.” The Fisher Gallery will exhibit van Buskirk’s project in a group show opening Aug. 4.
“Staff as Artists” is open to all UNM staff and all artistic media. To submit, RSVP to scouncil@unm.edu.
Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593, E-Mail: michal@unm.edu
Posted by bhendrix at June 11, 2007 01:36 PM