Art gallery exhibition features works by four Fredonia students

Works by four graduating art majors will be on display in the Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Gallery from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6.

The fall senior exhibition, “Current(s),” opens with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30. It will include artwork by Collin Hassler (sculpture), Maria Johnson (drawing and painting), Jamie Perrin (graphic design) and Jessica Smith (sculpture).

The students chose the word “Current(s)” for the exhibition title because of its multiple meanings, which all relate to their work: passing in time, prevalent, popular, timely and flowing.

With his life-size figures, Hassler addresses the concept of “toxic masculinity, stereotypical masculine gender roles that restrict behavior and dress allowable for boys and men.”

Similarly, Johnson represents in her “Bodies” series gender nonconforming or nonbinary, a term given to individuals who feel that they do not fall into the male or female gender.

In a series of 18 large posters titled “Earth’s Exhaustion,” Perrin beseeches visitors to pause and think about the damage humans are doing to the environment, as well as human rights issues.

Smith focuses on complex occurrences within nature including cell composition, plant structure, and Earth formations with three-dimensional forms and a sound installation.

The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. The Marion Art Gallery is located on the first floor of Rockefeller Arts Center.

“Current(s)” is supported by the Department of Visual Arts and New Media, Fredonia College Foundation’s Cathy and Jesse Marion Endowment Fund and the Friends of Rockefeller Arts Center.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

For more information or to schedule a group tour of the exhibition, contact Gallery Director Barbara Räcker at 716-673-4897 or via email at barbara.racker@fredonia.edu.