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As the bicentennial approaches, the Miami University Art Museum is looking to the past and into the future with an exhibit honoring faculty.
Until June 21, the museum will feature 130 pieces from 61 Miami artists. Featured artists are current faculty members in Miami's department of art, as well as former faculty and alumni.
Ann Taulbee, Hiestand Gallery curator and Miami professor of art and dele jegede, art department chair, were involved in the nomination process that brought together what jegede calls a "deep and diverse" collection.
jegede said that while the theme of the exhibit is Miami, the submitted pieces were not restricted to a specific topic. As a result, the exhibition's artwork ranges from the traditional to the contemporary.
However, jegede said the artwork is an ultimate ode to university's bicentennial.
"This exhibit had to be on a grand scale in celebration of the bicentennial and as a part of the re-engagement goal of this event," jegede said.
Taulbee said the variety of artwork serves a good learning experience for students and an indicator of the department's talent.
"It was so refreshing to see the art department tradition," she said.
The exhibition includes paintings, jewelry, prints and sculptures. Specific pieces include alumnus Dukno Yoon's "Measure Ring Wheels," made with sterling silver kinetic rings. C.F. Payne, who graduated from Miami in 1976, will also be exhibiting his collection of illustrations, some of which have graced the cover of Time, Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone and Reader's Digest.
Payne will also be among the alumni giving a lecture at the art museum, beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday Feb. 19, to discuss their evolution as artists. Throughout the semester, featured artists will present lectures in the art museum discussing their careers as artists, specific pieces and various periods in art and history.
The art museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
