Peninsula School of Art’s “Medium is the Message Exhibition Reveals Reasons Behind Media of Choice

Comb Sculpture by Sonia Clark.

Six nationally-recognized artists provide a behind-the-scenes view of what influences their choice of media and how that impacts the meaning in their work during “Medium is the Message,” April 16 – July 10, at the Peninsula School of Art. The opening reception for the exhibition, which is free and open to the public, is Saturday, April 17 from 5 – 7 pm.

The exhibition, which includes both traditional and non-traditional media, will present a banner beside the artist’s work with their artist’s statement detailing an intimate view of the individual’s unique creative process and voice. According to Kay McKinley Arneson, Director of Marketing and Exhibitions, the exhibit underscores the artist’s medium of choice as being primary to his expression.

“Today, an artist may choose from an endless array of media,” she says. “For example, if a portrait is created in bottle caps rather than watercolor or oils, it has everything to do with how the work is interpreted.”

“Witness” by Charles Munch.

Artists participating in “Medium is the Message” include: Erika Iris Simmons, portraits of pop culture icons using cassette tapes; Debora Oden, Savannah School of Art and Design professor of printmaking, large-scale prints and etchings; Sonya Clark, University of Virginia professor, black plastic comb “textiles;” Eddie Soloway, abstract photographs; Kim McCarty, figurative watercolors; and Charles Munch, large-scale, environmentally-themed oil paintings.

A special feature of “Medium is the Message” is a wall reserved for visitors to experiment and create with a variety of provided media.

“Ghost in the Machine – Paul Griffiths” by Erika Simmons.

A gallery talk with participating artist Debora Oden will be held on July 1. The talk is free for art school members and $5 for others. Oden, an instructor at the Savannah School of Art and Design, will also be teaching a workshop at the Peninsula School of Art entitled, “The Narrative in Printmaking,” June 30 through July 3.

For more information about Peninsula School of Art, located at 3900 County Road F, Fish Creek, call 920.868.3455, email [email protected] or visit http://www.peninsulaaartschool.com.