On Wednesday, Feb. 6, the art gallery showcased their new exhibit. Following the theme of Black History month this February, it portrayed thought-provoking pieces made by prominent African- American artists from the past 40 years. Some artists included Kara Walker, Michael Ray Charles, Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden.
In conjunction with the art gallery reception, Jordan Schnitzer gave a lecture in the Carlson Theatre. Schnitzer is an art collector and philanthropist who provided the pieces from his collection of well over 7,000 prints. “Jordan is unique in his efforts to amass what has become the largest collection of American prints in the United States, if not the world. He has helped elevate our understanding of the complexity, the variety, and the quality of print-making,” said Kate Casprowiak, who introduced Schnitzer.
Kate Casprowiak is the art historian at Bellevue College and the exhibit curator, opening the lecture for Schnitzer by introducing his contributions to the gallery as well as involvements in the art community. She advises art history and general art majors, teaching about the history and significance of art over the years. Along with sharing a passion for art, she also emphasizes art’s integration in society.
The gallery reception was full of students and faculty of BC, as well as visitors and honorable mentions from Seattle. Pieces were meant to portray emotions connected to the artist. They were meant to share a story that the artist would otherwise keep to themselves. Color and contrast were big themes of the gallery, as well as detail and fill-in-the-blank pieces that were meant to evoke stereotypes and strong emotions. .” Chad White, the gallery director as well as photography instructor at BC, offered his thoughts on the artist’s ingenuity in presenting the pieces. Regarding the sensitive depiction in some of the pieces, such as brutal slavery and racial stereotypes, White felt that “it’s necessary to show these pieces so that it raises discussion. It’s not meant to look pretty.” The exhibition will be on display until Apr. 21, open for everyone during normal gallery hours. Casprowiak is “more than happy to offer class tours of the exhibit as well.” She is available at (425) 564-2629 and may be contacted by her email katrin.casprowiak@bellevuecollege.edu. For more information, visit http://depts.bellevuecollege.edu/galleryspace/coloring/ and http://depts.bellevuecollege.edu/galleryspace/jordan-schnitzer/.