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Miami art students develop newest exhibition

04/30/2012

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James Rosenquist (American, b. 1933) America's Favorite, 1975. Serigraph on paper.

"The 1970s: An Eclectic Art Invasion," a new exhibition developed as the capstone project for art and architecture history students, offers a glimpse into the turbulent art world of the 1970s opens May 1. An opening reception will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 4.

In conjunction with the art museum, students in Pepper Stetler’s ART 498: “Capstone Seminar in Art and Architecture History” created the exhibition from concept to show opening. They selected art pieces from the museum’s collection, researched each piece, wrote object labels, press releases and designed the entire layout for the exhibition.

“Rethinking how to approach this seminar class, I wanted to show students what working in a museum is really all about, said Stetler, assistant professor of art and architecture history. “From concept, to research, to placement, the students’ education culminated with this exhibition.”

The exhibition examines the crucial elements of art making during the 1970s, a time when beauty, aesthetics and concept were redefined by political unrest, the women’s movement and a transitioning public sphere,” said Jason Shaiman, curator of exhibitions at the art museum who also worked with the students.

Stetler added, “Students viewed the project as daunting at first, but they also had a sense of excitement and adventure as they began the process. My colleagues thought it would be a lot of work on my part, but actually, I acted more like a manager and facilitator. I allowed the students to make their own decisions.”

Senior art major Brooke Hess said, “I found it refreshing to work on one project slowly, to chip away at it, to continually work on it and then see it all come together. This was much more rewarding than putting something together at the last minute. It is amazing to see the actual pieces we have been researching actually come to life before our eyes.”

Students who developed the exhibit include: Gregory Ahrns, Caroline Farris, Regina Garcia, Emma Gregory, Brooke Hess, Chloe Hines, Kara Isabella, Alyssa Johansen, Heather Kenton, Sydney Kreuzmann, Kelsey Novotny, Rachel Satterfield, and Marian Wiesler

The exhibit runs through July 22 in Gallery Four. The art museum is free and open to the public.