June 2 - June 30, 2017
Artists' Reception Friday, June 9 from 5:30 - 8pm with Artists' Talks at 6pm
The Tory Folliard Gallery is pleased to present Winnowers, a group exhibition of emerging, young artists. The "Winnowers" are recent graduates of the University of Wisconsin - Madison Fine Arts Program. We wish to thank Fred Stonehouse for introducing the Gallery to these talented artists.
“WHATEVER MAY BE THE LIMITATIONS WHICH TRAMMEL INQUIRY ELSEWHERE, WE BELIEVE THAT THE GREAT STATE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SHOULD EVER ENCOURAGE THAT CONTINUAL AND FEARLESS SIFTING AND WINNOWING BY WHICH ALONE THE TRUTH CAN BE FOUND.”
This quote can be found on a brass plaque in Bascom Hall at the University of Wisconsin. It is often cited in reference to the protection of academic freedom, but after a decade of teaching art at UW, I think that “sifting and winnowing” aptly describes the process by which most artists find their voice.
The artists in this exhibition have all used their time at the University of Wisconsin to sort out their personal vocabularies; determining which ideas and methods best reflect their intentions and most effectively communicate their individual ways of seeing. When it works, this brief few years transforms an artist from a practitioner who tries answering all questions to one who recognizes that what really matters is which questions to ask. The growth that occurs during this time of research, reflection, critique and analysis is often remarkable and sometimes breathtaking.
Alex Orellana (photography), Heather Sutherland (glass), Matt Mauk (metals), Tara Austin (painting), Aniela Sobieski (painting), Marissa Mackey (photography) and Melissa Cooke (drawing) have each, in their way, arrived at a maturity in their practice that warrants attention. They are serious artists who exhibit the traits that lead to long productivity. They all approach their studio practice with a sense of professionalism, sincerity, well-considered craft, depth of conceptual engagement, imagination and a talent for and love of material beauty.
I am grateful that I get to witness this process on an ongoing basis. Working with talented young artists at the very beginning of their careers is a privilege and a great joy for me, but it is a crucial time for them and their work as they enter the “real world” of life as artists. Take the time to consider these artists well; they are going to be leaving their mark.
Fred Stonehouse
Professor of Art
University of Wisconsin