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Northern Illinois University

NIU Office of Public Affairs


News Release

Tom Mahady, Exhibit Curator
(630) 649-0700

August 27, 2004

Northern Illinois University faculty, alumni
to exhibit in upcoming visual, literary arts show

DeKalb – Northern Illinois University faculty and alumni will join more than a dozen artists and writers exhibiting their work in “Art is Forever,” a collaboration of the visual and literary arts on display during September at the DeKalb Area Women’s Center.

The visual arts and literary arts were, in ancient times, one and the same. But as time passed, images turned into symbols, symbols into letters, and letters into words. The exhibit, curated by Tom Mahady, expresses this theme in a variety of rich ways.

The following NIU faculty and alumni will participate in the exhibit:

  • Adrian Tio, director of the NIU School of Art, brings a Latin flair, joining with local poet Becky Parfitt, in lino cuts along with other broadside collaborations.
  • Peter Olson, preparator of the NIU Art Museum, celebrates nature with his sketchbook ornithological renderings, portraying birds in both colored pencil and written words.
  • Pamela Farris, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Department of Literacy Education, will exhibit works in a book display showing the power of visual and literary arts in published form. 
  • Loren Hecht, Department of English instructor, will provide keyboard and vocals.
  • Tom Quinn (M.A.’92) will show ceramic sculpture.
  • Dan Grych (M.F.A.’74) will show storytelling serigraphs.
  • Becky Blaine (M.F.A.’83) of St. Charles Norris Gallery celebrates the theme botanically through calligraphy and leaf prints evolving into abstracted calligraphic mark making.

Other artists, authors and musicians participating in the show include: Timothy Botts, Sven Oscar Hensen, Jo Morato, Anna Marie Coveny, Jennie Edwards, Neil McNair, Sally Walker, Roseanne Feldman, and Cleota Reed.

An artists reception will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, with poetry reading, music and refreshments. Following the month-long viewing, the show will travel to the well-known Gallery at Lane Allen Architects in Batavia for October and November.

The DAWC is open from 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays and when other activities are scheduled. Off-street parking is available one-half block south of the building off 11th Street. A handicapped accessible lift may be reached from the north side alley. Please call ahead to arrange for the use of the lift. For further information, contact the DAWC at (815) 758-1351.

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