Naturally Synthetic, an exhibition of paintings by Laura Gleissner ceramic sculptures by Elissa Cox Wenthe, and collaborative works by both at Vincennes University’s Shirliff Gallery of Art. An opening reception featuring a talk by the artists will take place on Friday, Novemberth, 4pm.
We intend for the space to draw viewers close to the two different styles of work, dissecting texture, color, form, and composition through two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces so that the relation of two bodies of work is questioned and connected on both a natural and synthetic understanding.
Our work focuses on the beautiful similarities that can be found between interior, man-made architectural works and the compelling architectural similarities found in the natural world.
Using a wide variety of materials, we carry out both individual bodies of work into a complimenting installation. Working together, we draw inspiration from each other’s methods and approaches to create a body of work that invites viewers to examine and engage their senses in a new way.
– Laura Gleissner and Elissa Cox Wenthe
Elissa Cox Wenthe is the McCosh Professor of Fine Arts and Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Upper Iowa University. She holds a BA and BFA from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and an MFA from Ohio University. Her work has been in numerous solo and group exhibitions including: Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa; Steckline Gallery, Wichita, Kansas; The Sculpture Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and the International Museum of Surgical Science, Chicago, IL.
Laura Gleissner is a painter with a concentration in oil and mixed media and an Assistant Professor of Art at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. She earned a BA from the University of Northern Iowa and an MFA in Painting from Northern Illinois University. She is the Gallery Director of the Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery on the Upper Iowa University campus and an active member of FATE (Foundations in Art: Theory & Education). Her work has been in numerous solo and group exhibitions including: Zhou B Art Center, Chicago, Illinois; McLean County Art Center, Bloomington, Illinois; and Northern Illinois University.