Grunwald shows metalworking in new exhibits

The Grunwald Gallery of Art is currently displaying three new exhibits: “Shift,” “These Moments Existed” and “Metal Inkorporated.”

The exhibits will be shown through Nov. 21.

The three exhibits involve contemporary metalworking, though each exhibit has its own distinct character.

Director Betsy Stirratt also highlighted the interactivity with the human body, as much of the art in the exhibits is jewelry.

When entering the gallery, the first exhibit is “These Moments Existed,” a one-artist show by Austrailian artist Sim Luttin.

The walls of the exhibit are adorned with photographs and necklaces cut from photographs.

In the center of the room are brooches and necklaces made from hardwoods and metal.

“Shift” is the largest exhibit, with work from many different artists using many different media.

There is a certain prevalence to metal throughout, but artists use materials such as cloth, video and Legos to create distinct and contemporary pieces.

Like “Shift,” “Metal Inkorporated” features various artists.

The exhibit is a collaborative effort between printmakers and metalworkers and is a traveling show.

“We really try to mix up the media we have,” Stirratt said.

The School of Fine Arts offers 10 different studio areas, and the Grunwald Gallery tries to ensure all of those areas are covered in its exhibits.

This particular set of exhibits was brought in with the Zoom Symposium in mind.

The symposium brings in speakers and hosts events to explore the future of the craft through the metalsmithing and jewelry design department.

Focusing on the fact that the School of Fine Arts is educating artists of the future, Stirratt said the Grunwald Gallery doesn’t typically display traditional or historic art works.

“A lot of times people think art is just painting and sculpture.” Stirratt said. “They come here and see that art can be created from a variety of media.”

— Anna Hyzy