‘ALCHEMICAL REACTIONS’ ON DISPLAY AT ADRIAN COLLEGE posted 8/19/04

Stubnitz Gallery at Adrian College begins its 2004-2005 season with “Alchemical Reactions: Kristy Deetz and Lucy Slivinski,” Aug. 30 through Sept. 25. The possibilities of transformation, artistic and otherwise, and the centrality of an artist’s materials, are at the core of both artists’ work.

Deetz exhibits large paintings on wood, at times carved in relief, using oil and encaustic paint. Encaustic painting utilizes molten wax, an ancient technique undergoing a renaissance in contemporary art. Her imagery includes skillful representations of still life elements – especially drapery and fruit. These and other images are embedded in a symbolic, rather than literal, context that refers to art history, spirituality, alchemy, and philosophy. She teaches painting at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay.

Slivinski’s work often recreates textile or fiber forms in very non-traditional materials. A container form that suggests a basket may be constructed of industrial materials, such as plastics. In the process, the natural and human worlds weave together, and materials that might have become refuse are reclaimed and transformed into art. Slivinski is a mixed media sculptor based in Chicago.

Slivinski will be on campus Thursday, Sept. 23, for a brown bag lecture at noon and a reception and artist’s talk at 3:30 p.m. in Stubnitz Gallery. All events are free and open to the public. Please call Pi Benio at 517-264-3901 for information.

Stubnitz Gallery is located on Madison Street on the Adrian College campus. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Thursdays (and by appointment).