By Ali Trepanier
The College of Art + Design recently hosted a vibrant art talk and reception for "Then & Now: An Alumni Print and Portfolio Exhibition, 1990-2020," curated by Professor Emeritus Liza Folman. This exhibition celebrates over three decades of artistic evolution within the university's printmaking community, featuring works from 15 talented alumni that beautifully juxtapose their past and present creations.
Participating artists include: Dasha Alexandrov, Adam Amara, Quinton Bemiller, Mason Branch, Aurora Brush, Kiran Chandra, Josephine Dougan, James Dye, Gary LaPointe Jr., Elizabeth Mooney, Luke O’Sullivan, Stephanie Pierce, Gabriel Richardson, Ko Smith, and Lilla Szekely.
Printmaker Elizabeth Mooney giving her artist talk
Featured artist Adam Amara, based in Maine, shared his unique journey into jewelry engraving from printmaking. Amara's insights into the significance of centuries-old tools added depth to his intricate works displayed on the gallery walls. He also emphasized the therapeutic nature of printmaking, highlighting its methodical process.
Printmaker Adam Amara discussing his art pieces
The art talks underscored the printmakers' distinctive ability to tackle challenges, embracing diverse materials and the often intricate, time-consuming nature of their craft. Each artist had a small print from their days as a student alongside their wall text, offering the audience a glimpse of their growth and evolution.
During the art talk, Liza Folman shared insights into the transformative power of printmaking and her commitment to fostering a vibrant artistic community at Lesley University. The gallery walls reflected the impact of her mentorship, with many artists expressing how participating in the exhibition rekindled their artistic flames. All 15 featured artists, both local and international, were students of Professor Folman, who, during her tenure, established one of the finest Printmaking Studios and curricula in New England. The exhibition stands as a testament to nurturing creativity and fostering artistic connections that transcend time and place.
People gathering for the reception
In addition to the compelling works showcased in the Roberts Gallery, attendees had the opportunity to explore additional exhibits on the second floor. Near the atrium featured student works and photographs from the archives, showing visuals from the days as the Art Institute of Boston.
The archival works in the upstairs portion of the exhibit
Simultaneously, the reception hosted the Art + Design Honors Seminar exhibition titled "Examining Human Relationships to the Natural World" in the Raizes Gallery. This dynamic show, encompassing sculpture, projection, animation, drawing, and more, offered a thought-provoking complement to the alumni print display.