A-State’s Department of Art + Design to host Three-Dimensional Artists
02/06/2024
JONESBORO – The Department of Art + Design at Arkansas State University will host four visiting artists who specialize in three-dimensional (3D) works this month.
Artists include Malcolm Mobutu Smith, a professor of ceramics at Indiana University, Jamie Bates Sloan, an assistant professor of ceramics at the University of Oklahoma, Bede Clarke, an emeritus professor of ceramics from the University of Missouri, and Chris Wubbena, a professor of sculpture at Southeast Missouri State.
“The artists represent the diverse array of individuals in the 3D arts community. Each artist’s distinctive utilization of 3D materials and range of techniques makes this a unique group,” said Zach Tate, assistant professor of ceramics.
To celebrate and showcase the artists and their works, a series of events will be hosted on campus at A-State and in the community. In addition to daily workshops and critiques with Art + Design faculty and students, several events will be open to the public.
Wubbena will be featured at the Windgate Center for Three-Dimensional Arts, 105 Driver St., with an exhibition of his works from Wednesday, Feb. 21, through Monday, March 11.
Dr. Temma Balducci, chair of the Department of Art + Design, said this event is a way to highlight the addition of the Windgate Center to campus.
“Even though the official opening of the Windgate Center took place in the fall of 2021, we were in the middle of the pandemic at the time and never got to properly showcase the building,” said Balducci. “We are taking this opportunity to celebrate and reimagine the future of 3D arts at Arkansas State.”
Workshops open to the public will be held from 8 a.m. until noon on Thursday, Feb. 22. The workshops will be held in the Windgate Center, with ceramics in room 121 and sculpture in room 127.
Tate said he’s looking forward to the lessons the visiting artists will share with A-State students.
“All the artists have exhibited widely both nationally and internationally at esteemed museums and galleries around the world. It is rare to have a group of this caliber assembled to collaborate in a shared space. Having the opportunity to work in proximity with these artists is an invaluable experience for our students, our faculty, and the community,” he continued.
An open question-and-answer event will be held from noon until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22, in the gallery of the Windgate Center.
A reception for the artists will be held from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Lounge at Huntington Square, 401 West Huntington Ave. There will be a silent auction, refreshments, live music, and hand-printed swag bags.
The Windgate Center for Three-Dimensional Arts
