First Thursday Opening: Tom Spoerner with guest Chris Graham
| When |
Thursday, June 7, 2012 5pm to 8pm |
|---|---|
| Where |
Gordy Fine Art & Framing Company 224 E Main St. |
| What | Art speakers, printmaking, painting, exhibitions, acrylic painting |
Tom Spoerner spent twelve years as the Chair of the Ball State Art Department, where he encouraged scores of students in their artistic pursuits. He was active in art education work at both state and national levels and the recipient of numerous honors, including the Art Education Association of Indiana Distinguished Fellow award. He retired from academic life in 2002.
“I started painting again in the summer of 2009,” Spoerner explains. While most of the professor’s works are hard-edge or abstract designs, he considers himself to be “old school” in both his approach and appreciation of art. “I am not concerned with super realism but want my paintings to look like something, have content, and be colorful. All of my paintings have a story behind them.”
Working in both painting and photography, the professor has exhibited in national, regional and local exhibitions; however, this will be his first show in 34 years, which he titled, “Back to the Old School: Painting Again after a 34 Year Hiatus.” Brian and Genny Gordy were students of Spoerner as they pursued Masters Degrees in the early 1980’s.
Gordy Fine Art and Framing provided its first art award at this year's Annual Student Show at Ball State. Arranged by their gallery director, Braydee Euliss, the award gave a student an exhibit of their work at the downtown gallery. Chris Graham was chosen by the juror to receive this award and will be showing in Gordy’s small front gallery during the month of June. Graham is fascinated with big cities, and most of his subject matter involves urban scenes. The new graduate has decided to move to Chicago, and this show, “The One of Many,” commemorates the big step he will be taking in this move. Graham works in woodblock, lithography, intaglio, and serigraphy to create the contemporary urban landscape.
A reception for the artists will be held First Thursday, June 7th, 2012, from 5 to 8 PM at the downtown gallery. The public is encouraged to attend, and light refreshments will be served. Spoerner will speak about his work at 6 PM. There is no charge to attend.
Gordy Fine Art & Framing Co. is located at 224 E. Main Street, next door to Muncie Civic Theatre. For more information, call 765-284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.