The reception for the Art & Design Department’s Faculty Art Exhibition took place on September 8 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, in the Z. T. Johnson Cafeteria’s Blue Gallery.
The exhibition’s title is Artist as Truthteller, which is derived from an essay delivered by Asbury’s own Dr. Linda Stratford. “Art holds up a mirror to our soul and to our society,” Prof. Elissa Morley, the gallery coordinator, explained to the Asbury Collegian. “Sometimes the truth hurts. Sometimes it is steadying or comforting. I hope each member of the community finds something valuable in their experience of the exhibition, that they come into contact with Truth as a Person, namely Jesus Christ.”
The exhibition’s run began on Aug. 22, and will continue until Oct. 12. The show includes 2D and 3D visual works from Prof. Emeritus Rudy Medlock, the photography of Keith Barker, paintings from Chris Segre-Lewis, and Prof. Morley’s works which deal with landscape and space. Dovetail Practice, a collaborative project from Josh and Margaret Smith, also offers printed sundry items and a video piece, focusing on unconventional approaches to art objects.
Together, the works on display seek to portray the truth of Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
“I am moved to have been able to bear witness to each artist’s life over the last decade in such a tangible way,” Morley said. “Although most of the work you see comes from roughly the last five years of our various studio practices.”
“As Gallery Coordinator and exhibiting artist/faculty, it has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with my colleagues,” Morley said. “This has also been a bittersweet experience for me personally since I am slowly realizing that this is likely my last Faculty Exhibition at Asbury alongside those who have become like family over the last 11 years.”