Metalwork exhibit opens Jan. 15 at CWU
"Crossing Guard," by Anne Bujold, is one of the pieces on display this month at Central Washington University's exhibit "Ferrous."
COURTESY PHOTO/CWU/STEPHEN FUNK
Leah Gerrard's "Longline," made from steel wire, glass, wood and cork floats, is part of the "Ferrous" exhibit at CWU this month.
Michelle Smith-Lewis
The steel sculpture "Gather and Grow: Blueberry" by Margaret Jacobs is part of a new art exhibit highlighting iron work.
ELLENSBURG — Beginning next week, the Sarah Spurgeon Gallery at Central Washington University will host Ferrous, a group exhibition of 15 innovative contemporary artists who transform iron into evocative works of art.
The opening events will be held Jan. 15, beginning with a curator's talk by Renee Adams from 4-5 p.m. in Randall Hall, room 117. Adams is an alum of the CWU Department of Art + Design (MFA, 1999), as well as a local sculptor and blacksmith. A reception will be held in the gallery (Randall Hall, room 141) directly following the talk, from 5-7 p.m.
On Thursday, Jan. 29, a panel discussion called "If I Had a Hammer" will take place from 3:30-5 p.m. in Black Hall, room 107. The talk will feature artists Emmett Armand, Bianca Dorsey and Margaret Jacobs, and will be led by Lisa Geertsen, an artist-blacksmith and founding board member of the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, and Dr. M. Eliatamby-O’Brien, Director of the Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies program at CWU.
Historically tied to masculine labor and mass production, iron and steel are now in the hands of artists who use their potential for personal and cultural expression, storytelling, and adornment. A wide range of themes and approaches to metalwork gives viewers the opportunity to explore, learn, and be inspired.
Ferrous will feature artwork by: Renee Adams, Leah Aripotch, Emmett Armand, Elizabeth Brim, Anne Bujold, Kim Cridler, Maria Cristalli, Bruna D’Alessandro, Bianca Dorsey, Joy Fire, Rebekah Frank, Lisa Geertsen, Leah Gerrard, Margaret Jacobs (Akwesasne Mohawk) and Nina Rastgar. The exhibit, which will remain on view through Feb. 7, is supported by a grant from the City of Ellensburg Arts Commission and cosponsored by the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, the CWU Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Program and Brian and Elizabeth Frederick.
Sarah Spurgeon Gallery is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. The gallery is closed Sundays and will be closed Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Leah Gerrard's "Longline," made from steel wire, glass, wood and cork floats, is part of the "Ferrous" exhibit at CWU this month.Michelle Smith-Lewis
The steel sculpture "Gather and Grow: Blueberry" by Margaret Jacobs is part of a new art exhibit highlighting iron work.