For the first time in its history, East Stroudsburg University\u2019s Madelon Powers will be hosting a national juried exhibit, Marks,<\/i> which will showcase new and current trends in contemporary drawing processes and techniques.<\/p>\n
Reduced to its basic quality that separates it from every other medium, drawing is an act of making marks. Artists applying to the show were asked to consider the questions: \u201cHow has mark-making evolved through the centuries, and how are artists making marks in a contemporarily relevant manner?\u201d<\/p>\n
The selected drawings, which will be exhibited from Wednesday, October 9, to Thursday, November 14, represent a wide range of innovative responses from the obsessively analytical to the purely expressive.<\/p>\n
Of particular interest are the works which move the dynamic of mark-making beyond the parameters of the flat surface like the work of artist Aljean Ryan, who will come from Colorado to install her work; or Star Varner of Texas, who uses her prowess with the lariat to create circular mark patterns on floor pieces.<\/p>\n
The definition of\u00a0 the medium is also expanded upon in works by Rosemary Meza-DePlas who \u201cdraws\u201d with human hair; in the digital drawings of Jim Pearson; or the dark, non-reflective carbon and wax surfaces of Ronald Gonzalez.\u00a0Pocono artists featured in the exhibit include Miharu Lane, ESU associate professor emeritus of art, Lynn Palumbo and Penny Ross.<\/p>\n
Hours for the gallery, located in the university\u2019s Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday.<\/p>\n
A reception for the artists will be Wednesday, October 9, from 4-6 p.m. in the gallery. The reception will include a gallery talk by Ryan, and an awards presentation for the first-, second- and third-place works. Both the exhibit and reception are open to the public at no cost.<\/p>\n
Gallery director Joni Oye-Benintende, associate professor of art, curated the exhibit and served as a juror. Darlene Farris-LaBar, assistant professor of art, also served as a juror.<\/p>\n