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2023 Annette and Dale Schuh Visiting Artist Della Wells’ inspiring program “Fostering the Spark” was on display at Crossman Gallery Friday
*Students, faculty members and more gathered at Crossman Gallery in the Center of the Arts at UW-Whitewater Friday afternoon to view “Fostering the Spark” by Della Wells. Wells is the 2023 Annette and Dale Schuh Visiting Artist, an endowment that supports an annual visit of a visual artist to Whitewater.
“Fostering the Spark” is a well-put together exhibit commenting on Wells’ personal journey as well as the struggle to rise in society and embracing one’s true self. It features pieces mostly made in collage style, often portraying women of color in various scenes, along with strips of text throughout detailing freedom of expression and individuality.
There was also a section strictly for student works made during a week-long hands-on workshop conducted by Wells. The theme of the student section was described as “who’s in control” by Maddie Santeler, a student who was volunteering at the event.
Santeler and Emma Siskoff, both student volunteers, took some time with us to discuss the exhibit. Maddie said her favorite piece was “Wade in the Water” as she liked the collage style and the colors of the piece, as well as the double meaning of it. The blue pieces of paper under the woman’s feet in the piece could either represent water she is wading in, or the Earth she is walking on, simultaneously representing the past of Black culture and an empowering future.
Siskoff described the meaning of the exhibit as “freedom of expression.”“I really enjoy collages, there’s a lot of feeling and emotions that go into it… I think that this all has a personal story behind the art,” said Jessica Turner, a faculty member working the event .
The exhibit was accompanied by live music from what appeared to be a four-person-student Jazz band consisting of a pianist, drummer, bassist and a sax player. Food and drink was provided for observers.
Overall, the event was an insightful showing of Wells’ work as well as the students she worked with, and we look forward to seeing what the 2024 Schuh Visiting Artist has in store.
Colin Reynolds and Jack Mckeown, March 8, 2023