Artist Michael Naranjo at Pruis Hall
| When |
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 7:00pm to 12:42pm |
|---|---|
| Where | Pruis Hall, Ball State University |
| What | Art speakers, native american |
In conjunction with its 2010-2011 focus on disability, the Freshman Connections Program, with assistance from the College of Art and the Department of Art, is bringing sculptor Michael Naranjo to campus on February 8 and 9. An exhibition of his bronze sculptures will open on Tuesday, January 11 in the Atrium Gallery.
The artist will speak of his experiences in Pruis Hall on February 8 at 7:00 pm. The public is invited to an artist's reception in the Atrium Gallery following the talk in Pruis Hall.
Michael Naranjo was permanently blinded at the age of 22 in Vietnam by a grenade explosion. Naranjo is the son of Santa Clara Pueblo potter, Rose Naranjo. Raised in northern New Mexico, he had planned a career as an artist before his army tour. Despite the loss of his sight and damage to his right hand, he did not give up this goal. A twenty-five minute PBS documentary will be looped in the adjacent room of the Atrium Gallery so visitors can learn more. The works will also be accompanied by information plates in Braille. The artist uses his mind's eye and his sense of touch to create works of extraordinary beauty and feeling. Viewers are invited to touch the sculptures as well. Naranjo was also named Disabled Veteran of the Year in 1999.