Art faculty, students and community members gathered for the opening reception of the 2023 Art Faculty Biennial on September 28^th at Archer Gallery. The exhibition of recent work by Art department faculty members provides an opportunity for Clark’s art faculty to show their work and to discuss their inspiration and their process one-on-one with students, faculty, staff, and the Vancouver community.   

“We are excited to exhibit the work of our talented Clark art faculty,” said Kendra Larson, art professor and Archer Gallery director. “The variety of materials and approaches highlighted in this show mirrors the diversity of classes offered at Clark. We are lucky to have a vibrant community of very talented artists teaching here. This show celebrates that.”  

Grant Hottle, art professor and chair of the art department, pictured above, talked about how anyone can appreciate art without having a personal conversation with the artist.  

Standing in front of three of his oil on canvas paintings, he said, “People visiting the art show don’t have to have advance knowledge of art to understand what they see. Instead, their experiences with art, film, literature and music all inform their ability to enjoy art. I hope folks come into the gallery and think about what they’re viewing and come away with feelings and ideas that mean something to them, based on their own experiences.” 

Pointing to his painting “After Claesz (Red Honor),” he said he was inspired by “Skull Still Life” by Pieter Claesz, a 17^th century Dutch Golden Age painter of still lifes. 
 
The show walk-through and artist talk will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 19^th. The artwork will be on display from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and through November 2.  

To learn more, visit https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/archer/ 

Participating Clark College art faculty include:  

• Jennifer Brazelton 
• Lisa Conway 
• Ray Cooper 
• Damien Gilley 
• Kathrena Halsinger 
• Stephen Hayes 
• Grant Hottle 
• Colin Kippen 
• Kendra Larson 
• Martha Lewis 
• Gabriel Parque 
• Shawn Records 
• Suzy Root 
• Ben Killen Rosenberg 
• Brian Shannon 
• Senseney Lea Stokes 
• Allison (Allie) Syes  

Follow the Archer Gallery Instagram account to follow this and other events at the gallery: https://www.instagram.com/archergallery

Photos: Susan Parrish/Clark College

To see more photos from the exhibit visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/clark_college/albums/72177720311740987

Archer Gallery was buzzing as dozens of student artists stood in front of their creations and talked to art appreciators about their work.

The opening reception and awards ceremony for the Art Student Annual exhibition of Clark College art students drew students, faculty, staff, family members and the community.

Although the gallery’s student art show returned to an in-person event last year, it was subdued. This year, it was noisy. The space was filled with conversations and people connecting over art.

“This is the first student art exhibit that feels like we’re back,” said Grant Hottle, art department chair. “We have an astonishing level of work here. Our art faculty are great. We have an extraordinary group of students who work hard.”

There were 150 submissions of student work for this year’s show; 65 pieces were chosen, said Archer Gallery Director Kendra Larson. Students created their work in the past year. Their art professors curated the work.

“The strength and breath of this artwork reflects the hard work, dedication, and unique voices of our amazing Clark Students,” said Larson. “It was a fun celebration of all the art students and their hard work.”

Artwork will be on display from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until the closing reception on June 9.

Awards prizes were provided by Blick Art Materials, Georgies Ceramics and Clay, Gamblin Paint, Clay Art Center, PICA, McClain’s Printmaking, Collage, ProPhoto Supply, and Blue Moon Camera and Machine.

Award Winners

The awards juror was Prudence Roberts, writer, curator, and art historian. Here are her choices:

• Most Ambitious – Samantha Garcia Ortiz, for “Wine & Cheese Glasses Master Study”
• Solo Show Award – Lissette Torson
• Most Poignant – Syd Ness, for “Self Portrait”
• Best in Photography – Richard Cole, for “This Too shall Pass”
• Second in Photography – Tahnee Calderon Hernandez, for “Win a Prize”
• Third in Photography – Julia Smook, for “Lab”
• Best in Drawing – Colin Johnson, for “A Quiet Place”
• Second in Drawing – Chelsie Cannon, for “10 things I Thought Were Good Ideas at the Time”
• Best in Painting – Lissette Torson, for “Growth”
• Second in Painting – Juan Carlos Garcia, for “Civilization”
• Best in Ceramics – Denise Ostlund, for “Beyond Belief #2”

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish