EMERGENCE
Supporting Art and Design Education— W H Y N OW ?
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 1
“You’ve got to be resourceful and you need to be a creative thinker, because what we’re doing today keeps changing.” Craig Kallman, Atlantic Records Group
Many people see artists as shamans, dreamers, outsiders, and rebels. In reality, the artist is a builder, an engineer, a research analyst, a human relations expert, a project manager, a communications specialist, and a salesman. Combined with the imagination of an inventor and the courage of an explorer. Not a bad set of talents for any business challenged to innovate in a world of volatility, uncertainty, and change.
Steven J. Tepper, Curb Center for Art, Enterprise, and Public Policy
“Design thinking harnesses the power of teams to work on a wide range of complex problems in health care, education, global poverty, government—you name it.” Tim Brown, IDEO 1 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
It’s About Time! Flexible thinking, curiosity, unconventional problem solving, risk-taking — these are the basics of an art and design education. And whether you graduated in the 1940s or just last year, these are the abilities that help to define your future.
I
IN MANY WAYS, THIS IS OUR MOMENT.
The larger world is
embracing the values and expertise that artists and designers offer. Professional outcomes for our students are increasing. Demands for our skills are multiplying.
The mission of the Stamps School of Art & Design is simple and
profound—to prepare students to think in new ways, to educate them to become concerned world citizens, and to equip them with the skills for life-long accomplishment. This commitment requires rigorous training in the key principles of art and design, collaboration across disciplines and across continents, and teaching by a faculty who model the creative thinkers and problems solvers our students will become. Preparing a new generation to take on this role is no longer only a desired option—it is a mandate. Global warming, world health issues and our nation’s position in a global marketplace make a creative education essential. As the entire University begins the five-year Victors for Michigan campaign in support of our educational mission, we want to share with you our plans and progress in the three key areas of our campaign—student scholarships and global education, innovative teaching and learning, and creative work and inquiry.
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 2
• S C H O L A R S H I P S •
Supporting Creative Choices Stamps students make a courageous commitment when they come here. Embracing creative practice is embracing a way of life. Unlike other fields of study, there is no single road map for this generation of problem-solvers, idea-generators, and game-changers. The financial burdens of a college education have become real barriers to success during college and afterwards. Scholarships are often the tipping point for students in deciding to come to Stamps rather than another school. In order to attract and retain the best students, we have made scholarships our highest priority.
3 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
Education is not just any job. There’s a real human dimension to all we do.
Leading The Way
R
RE AD I N G T HE L E T T E R S
I like to keep the students and their
necessary, but we wanted to make it
from scholarship
needs at the forefront.”
more possible for people from diverse
students may be one of
Guna and his wife, Irina
socio-economic backgrounds to be
Aristarkhova, a faculty member
able to study here. It’s a value for us
dean, but it’s something Stamps Dean
in the Stamps School, Women’s
personally and also a value for our
Guna Nadarajan takes very seriously.
Studies and History of Art, made a
institution.”
“It’s heartbreaking, really, the stories
decision to do something about those
some students tell,” says Guna. He
needs this past January. Working
a gift now, at a time when their
was so moved by the stories he was
with Mary Alice Bankert in Stamps’
scholarship endowment is eligible for
reading that he asked that the letters
development office, Guna and Irina
the Michigan Matching Initiative
be delivered to him in the morning so
set up an endowment for need-based
for Student Support (for more
he could read them first thing in the
scholarships. “We both come from
information see page 10) created by
day, to remind him why he’s doing
humble backgrounds. Irina got some
the University. “We are giving what
what he’s doing. “Education is not
scholarships, but I didn’t have any.
we can,” Guna confirms, “and it’s
just any job. There’s a real human
We both felt that this was something
being multiplied by the University’s
dimension to all we do. And as I make
we had to do—to give back and have
matching initiative. I have realized
decisions, meet with faculty, and
an impact on this problem,” he says.
how much every dollar counts. It’s a
strategize for the sake of the school,
“Merit scholarships are important and
cliché, but it’s true.”
the overlooked jobs of a
Guna and Irina are pleased to make
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 4
L
L EV ESTER W I L L I AM S W AS THE M OST TAL ENTED PERS ON
in his high school art classes. But, as an orphan raised by his grandmother, he never dreamed he would ever be able to go to college. Shipman and Gates
Scholarships helped support his entire college career at Stamps. “The scholarships make me feel that donors support my interests, my passion, and my school. I’m grateful that they gave some of their money for my education. Michigan has opened my mind and gotten me involved using my gifts as an artist in the community. I worked with the Trotter Multicultural Center, and with an organization that supports incoming black students.” Levester, who graduated in 2013, is now in an MFA program at VCUart.
Levester Williams
Artworks by Levester Williams (BFA ‘13)
Jordana Schrager
T
THAN KS TO SUP P OR T FR OM SUSI AN D REID WAG STAF F ,
Jordana Schrager has been able to combine her drawing skills with her entrepreneurial interests to grow her highly successful custom sneaker business.
“Scholarship support was so important if I wanted to come to a school like U-M. And only a university like this one has the resources and courses I need. Students, faculty advisors and alumni have all given me great advice and feedback about my business dreams. Media marketing and business courses were also incredibly helpful. I’m so grateful.”
Shoe designs by Jordana Schrager (BFA ‘16)
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 6
• I N T E R N A T I O N A L
S T U D Y •
Creating Global Citizens As artists and designers, we know that both our reach and our responsibility have become global. In response, the School continues to institute new ways that students, faculty and alumni can experience, participate in, and contribute to a larger geography. Stamps has made international study a requirement for all students. The Stamps International Initiative continues to establish new exchange programs with educational institutions from Australia to Norway, and from to Japan to Chile, offering students and faculty the life- and art-altering benefits of moving beyond the limits of any one culture.
7 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
→ International Study: Changing Students Lives Italy
Valerie DiMilia The best way to experience any culture is to immerse yourself as much as possible, meet new people and understand their way of life which will be different from yours. You learn what makes people unique and different and incorporate what you learn into your design process.
Japan
Elise Beckman Staying at the Seinenryo Center for disabilities, having the opportunity to interact with the people who live and work there, was such a deeply human experience for me. It taught me so much about gratitude, about a generosity of spirit and a beauty that is beyond words.
Czech Republic
Callie Stewart I learned to pay close attention to everything that was happening in both the moment and what might happen in the future. Prague was already so beautiful that it was not about finding the “pretty” shot, but rather, the powerful moment. I am influenced by the current moment, but also patient to what may evolve in the art I create.
Indonesia
Cassidy Wasko
Working as an artist seems more accessible now. We met people who just loved what they did, whether it was operating a gallery or creating the work for it themselves. The love present in the scene we saw was undeniable and truly inspiring. Beyond just being a source of visual inspiration, it made me fear life after graduation a whole lot less.
Italy
Lynn Chen There are a million different reasons to study abroad. You learn things about another culture and language that you can’t pick up from watching movies or going to a class. You get the chance to eat new foods, meet new people, see amazing places. You’ll pick up a lot of social and problem-solving skills while you’re trying to figure out the public transportation system or ordering dinner at a local hole-in-the-wall.
Tanzania
Rachel Hefferan
The ways in which my experience will come through in my art are probably through my new view of the world and of myself as part of that world. Spending time in a different culture left me with a lot to think about as far as what it means to be beautiful, happy, successful, content and so much more. STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 8
Jing Wang Remembers A Daughter
“My study abroad experience changed my life” is a sentiment often repeated by students who study internationally. Their experiences inform the way they
T
THE N EW CAN D Y R . W EI P R I Z E FOR I N TERNATIONAL
Studies in Art and Design will provide financial awards to five Stamps Students each year in recognition of exemplary work influenced by their
international experience. This new gift significantly builds on the generous support
see the world. Professor Jing Wang,
Professor Wang has already provided to the Stamps School.
mother of Candy R. Wei and
Following the death of her daughter Candy in 2001, she
Professor of Chinese Media and
established the Candy R. Wei International Travel Fund. Each
Cultural Studies at MIT, knows that this experience also changes the creative work that students make.
year, this endowed fund supports the international experiences of eight to ten Stamps students. “It was Candy’s dream to travel abroad to study art so the fund is a natural way to remember her and to help students fulfill their dreams of international study,” said Professor Wang about establishing the first fund.
Photo: Professor Jing Wang (second from right)
As with all Stamps endowed funds, Professor Wang receives
with three of the many students who have benefitted
letters of appreciation from students, which she treasures.
from the Candy R. Wei International Travel Fund.
Some students even send artworks that reflect their
9 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
I feel Candy’s spirit is alive and going strong.
Candy Wei / selections / Magazines
Candy Wei / selections / Magazines
Artwork by Candy R. Wei A permanent exhibition case at the Stamps School showcases the work of Professor Wang’s daughter, Candy R. Wei. Candy’s creative interests spanned drawing and painting, printmaking, photography, digital art, sculpture, graphic design, poetry, and short story writing. Candy’s work is also accessible on the web at www.candywei.org.
Candy Wei / selections / Magazines
Candy Wei / selections / Magazines
adventures abroad. To create this new award, Professor Wang took advantage of the Michigan Matching Initiative for Student Support. In addition, Professor Wang added to an already established
Michigan Matching Initiative for Student Support The University of Michigan is offering a $25 million Michigan Matching Initiative for Student Support at the Ann Arbor campus. Gifts between $100,000 and $1 million will be
planned gift that will provide support
matched at a 1:4 ratio (that is, the University will contribute
for the Candy R. Wei International
$1 for every qualifying $4 donated).
Travel Fund and for the Candy R. Wei Prize in perpetuity. As a mother who lost a daughter at age 21, Professor Wang is comforted by the impact her contributions are making on students’ international experience. “I feel Candy’s spirit is alive and going strong.”
Gifts must meet the following criteria:
→ Direct student support for scholarships or fellowships (including undergraduate scholarships, graduate
fellowships, and student activities such as study abroad, internships, and student research projects).
→ Gifts applied to new or existing endowments. → Size of gift between $100,000 and $1 million paid over five years.
For more information contact Mary Alice Bankert at mbankert@umich.edu STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 10
• T E A C H I N G
&
L E A R N I N G •
Building Innovation Into Teaching & Learning Stamps recognizes its role in training the next generation of creative change agents. Engaged and experiential learning means connecting our creative work with communities around the world, giving our students the skills and experiences they need to make a difference. While foundational skills in art and design remain essential, our students will also need access to the latest technologies; studios and classrooms that encourage the intermingling of media and disciplines; and outstanding faculty, who are prepared to stretch boundaries, in their own work and in their teaching.
11 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
Helping Kids Manage Diabetes with Video Games
M
MANAGING DIABETES IS NOT EASY.
It requires constant blood sugar monitoring, an insulin shot four to six times a day and strict eating habits. It’s
hard enough for adults to maintain the regimen, but getting young people to be disciplined about this kind of daily work is a job for, well, a video game. Dr. Joyce Lee, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School, treats adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes and is co-director of Mott Mobile Technology for Enhancing Child Health
A new collaboration at U-M matches young video game designers from professor Matt Kenyon’s gaming course with medical experts
(M2TECH), which is dedicated to developing mobile apps that will help teens take better care of their health. “We realized it was important to come up with new ways to motivate young people in their own care, because we want them to avoid diabetes-related complications,” says Dr. Lee. “And we realized we needed collaborators. We have the
at the University hospital in order to
medical expertise, but what was missing was the creativity,
explore non-traditional, even fun,
the wonder, that artists and designers bring to a problem.”
approaches to a serious problem.
Dr. Lee approached the Stamps School of Art & Design to seek out collaborators. There she discovered Matt Kenyon, a faculty member who specializes in code-based art and design and teaches popular classes in video game art and the new realm of creative apps.
C O N T I N U E D → STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 12
Matt joined the Stamps faculty in
time when he didn’t have to check his
For Dr. Lee and Matt, this is just the
2011 to enhance the School’s program
blood sugar level and inject himself
beginning. “We’re now going to hire
in new media, as part of a university-
with insulin every time he wanted to
some of these students to develop
wide “cluster-hire” in computational
eat something.
the prototypes further,” says Dr. Lee.
media designed to strengthen the
While, for Josh, the daily regime is
Next semester, Matt will continue
University’s research in this growing
now more of “an annoyance” than
the collaboration with students in
area. Matt and Dr. Lee received a Third
anything else, he thinks the idea of
his app class. “For students who
Century Initiative grant to help launch
the video game is invaluable for kids
grew up playing games, it’s really
their collaboration.
who have been just diagnosed. He was
empowering to become a maker and
eager to see what the students came
an essential part of a problem-solving
happen if they gave the problem of
up with. “[At the judging party], I
team, whether it’s a healthcare
diabetes management to students
found multiple games that were fun,
issue, or other research areas here at
in Matt’s video game class. “These
but the ones that also had an ultimate
the University.” Matt says. “It’s an
students are digital natives,” says
functionality to them were incredible.
incredible opportunity and we’re just
Matt. “They grew up playing these
I can’t tell you how important these
getting started.”
games and are capable of rapid
types of game could be for young kids
To help students, designers, and
innovations.” Students spent the first
just diagnosed. I saw some games that
developers learn more about diabetes
part of the class learning the basics
could really thrive if they were released
in order to create better solutions,
of game art: programming, graphics,
into the market.”
Dr. Lee created Diabetes: A Guide for
The team decided to see what would
I set out to leverage the compulsive qualities that games can inspire, but to positive ends.
interaction design and critical theory.
Stamps student Sam Oliver, won
Designers, a primer on the disease. And
They ended the semester with the
first place for his game “Pixipal,” in
to help facilitate more of these kinds
diabetes assignment, using Stencyl, an
which children teach themselves how
of collaborations, Matt and Dr. Lee
intuitive design platform which allows
to manage Type 1 Diabetes by caring for
recently set up Health Design Cupid,
designers to quickly and easily create
a digital pet. Oliver describes himself
a “matchmaking” site for medical
games and apps without using code.
as a reformed video game addict,
professionals and designers.
Dr. Lee provided the class with a
“I designed my game with my old
Diabetes For Designers primer and
addictions in mind. I set out to leverage
visited the class to look at early pro-
the compulsive qualities that games can
totypes and guide the process. The
inspire, but to positive ends.”
semester culminated with a party
In Pixipal, the child must feed and
and game contest judged by Dr. Lee,
play with the pet to keep it happy, and
Matt, and most importantly, 16-year-
is rewarded for his or her efforts with
old Josh Luurtsema, who plays games
items and upgrades. In turn the pet
and has diabetes.
“takes care” of the child, refusing to
Diagnosed with diabetes when he was just ten, Josh can’t remember a
13 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
play until the child checks his or her blood glucose levels.
Photos by Sarah Nesbitt
Make it Work Proctor & Gamble Fund Supports Innovative Product Design Course
What do a portable urban garden, stacking storage cubes, a disaster relief shelter, and a one-handed kitchen have in common?
T
T H E Y AR E AL L PR OD U C T S D E V E L OPED I N
course confirms its importance by offering knowledge that
the cross-disciplinary Integrated Product
can be transferred to any business, whether in a studio,
Development course (IPD). IPD brings
laboratory or office.
together students from the Stamps School
“IPD gave me confidence in my creative abilities and
of Art & Design, the College of Engineering, and the Ross
working with a team. It empowered me as a designer and
School of Business to design a consumer product and
problem-solver. I worked on the creative side and project
develop a supporting business plan and a website.
management for my IPD team, and now I work as a design
Now, drawn to IPD’s unique educational experience, the
and development project manager. I’d say IPD definitely
Proctor & Gamble Fund has given IPD a $10,000 grant for the
helped me prepare and work towards a goal in my early
fall 2014 semester.
career,” said Clio Goldsmith, BFA 2009. “I attribute this
“P&G is proud to support the Integrated Product
to the fact that during IPD I gained an understanding of
Development Course at the University of Michigan. We
how the product development process works and where I
recognize that this course prepares students for careers
wanted to fit into this process.”
in business by creating a learning environment that
Taught by Ross School Professor Bill Lovejoy and Stamps
encourages and enhances innovation and creativity,” said
School Assistant Professor John Marshall, IPD has attracted
Brian Sasson, P&G Fund/P&G Corporate Contributions
national media attention in Businessweek, CNN, The New York
Manager. “This is an important investment that we hope
Times, and the Wall Street Journal, among others.
benefits students for years to come.” IPD often marks the first time that students from Stamps, Engineering, and Ross work together. The blended teams mimic the real-world experience of collaboration with partners who have separate skills sets and expertise. This type of learning experience is at the core of the Stamps School’s goal to become the model for art and design education by expanding teaching and learning opportunities that foster collaboration. Feedback from alumni about their experience in the IPD STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 14
Highlighting Our Creative Community Donors support PLAY: a website for creative work by and about the Stamps School Faculty, Students, and Alumni.
M
M AR C AN D I L E N E S T E G L I T Z HAV E L I V ES
and its core mission—to provide visibility for the work of
immersed in creative work. Marc is
our students, alumni and faculty. PLAY now includes Penny
Senior Deputy Director and COO of the
Stamps lectures, a student image gallery with both still
Guggenheim Museum and Ilene is a
and time-based work, stories about alumni and students,
practicing artist. So it was no surprise that in searching for
interviews with visiting artists, feeds from all our social
ways to support Stamps, they found a particularly creative
media networks and more. Prospective undergraduate and
way to promote the education of the next generation of
graduate students cite it as one of the primary ways they
innovative thinkers, problem solvers and makers. In 2005,
come to know Stamps, its community, its culture, and its
Marc and Ilene, members of the School’s Dean’s Advisory
educational opportunities.
Council, championed an unusual experiment at Stamps—a
Recently, the Steglitzs have officially coalesced their
fledgling TV and online venue for the School called PLAY
yearly pledges of support by funding the Ilene and Marc
Gallery. The project provided an outlet for time-based
Steglitz Fund over the next five years. The fund will
work outside the traditional gallery system, on PBS and
help the School build on our efforts to showcase the
online, while providing valuable work experience for young
radical, thought-provoking work of our students, faculty
animators and producers involved in the PLAY production
and alumni, and provide professional development
office. While on the airwaves, the program went on to win
opportunities for our aspiring artists and designers.
four EMMY awards and numerous other EMMY nominations for the school and students. As PLAY evolved beyond the arena of time-based work, the Steglitzs remained actively engaged with the project
15 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
We thank Ilene and Marc for their vision and their commitment to expanding the impact that creative work and ideas can have on the world.
Living a Creative Life A Sampling of Stories From PLAY Creative Careers
Mike Campau Back in the early 90s when Mike Campau (BFA ‘96) was in school at Stamps, Photoshop was an obscure software program that came free with your order of Barneyscan. Campau came to Stamps to study scientific illustration but he soon found he was spending his spare time soaking up everything he possibly could about the newly emerging field of digital imagery and manipulation. www.playgallery.org/stories/campau
Focus on Faculty
Jim Cogswell For an artist, scale matters. The size of a painter’s canvas can be as small as a postage stamp or as big as the wall of a room. But Stamps professor Jim Cogswell’s work for the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital may be the first time that a painter has been asked to use an eight-story window façade as a canvas. www.playgallery.org/stories/hospital
Student Stories
Sam Oliver
“Since coming to Stamps, I have designed a game for the medical school, developed sets for student productions, ‘performed’ a life drawing class at the Ross Business School, shown in the Engineering Design Expo, traveled around the country coding with Michigan Hackers, built Javanese musical instruments, and learned to weld, slip-cast, and pour bronze. Sure, some other art schools have open majors, but I don't think any other schools could have provided such a wealth of experience.” www.playgallery.org/stories/oliver
Stories From Abroad
MFA Students Report Peter Leix: Iceland I spent the last two days I had in Iceland at Jökulsárlón, which is a lagoon where 1,000 year old glaciers meet their final demise. I found this place visually arresting and stayed and shot 10+ hours of video each day. It was emotional to see the direct consequences of global climate change. Read about other MFA experiences here: www.playgallery.org/stories/mfa_international
Find more stories at www.playgallery.org/stories/main
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 16
• R E S E A R C H •
Expanding the Role of Creative Work & Inquiry Research engagements lie at the heart of the University… and at the center of art and design practice. While artists and designers have always understood the powerful role that research plays in their work, the model of the artist/scholar is gaining more visibility. As it becomes increasingly clear that our skills in visual thinking and new forms of critical inquiry are essential to solving global challenges, artists and designers are now being recognized as researchers who work and innovate alongside colleagues in other fields. Stamps is continually working to expand these research initiatives, collaborating with areas as diverse as nanotechnology and business on projects that create new avenues to understanding. As with all university-based research, the reach and influence of art and design’s creative outcomes depend on the ways in which we disseminate our work, including exhibitions, public lectures, and workshops. Stamps is also actively investigating new ways to share our research outcomes, including funding support for a research center, symposia and publications.
17 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
You often hear that you can get anything made in Detroit. We wanted to find out what and where. Photos courtesy Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
R
R E :TOOL -KI T FOR D E T R OI T , A N E W P UBL I CATI ON
and online resource created by Stamps faculty John Marshall and Seth Ellis and the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning,
sets out to answer the question: Can you really get ANYTHING made in Detroit? The answer, it turns out, is yes, but not without some good people skills. “When we asked the people featured in this project how to go about getting something made in Detroit, the most common response was ‘ask someone,’ says Seth. “Word of mouth, knocking on doors, physical conversations and personal networks: these are the things that make up Detroit’s manufacturing culture, historically and currently.” Through over 50 hours of personal interviews, this group of four researchers with backgrounds in design and data collection—(Heidi Beebe), mapping and web design (Seth Ellis), design/fabrication (John Marshall and Julia McMorrough)—
Mapping Detroit's PostIndustrial Present
have assembled both a much needed resource on two fronts. CONTINUED →
photo left: John Marshall right: Seth Ellis
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 18
Detroit — and by that we mean heavy manufacturing — is not ‘coming back’ anytime soon. The world has moved beyond that model of production. The potential for the present is for Detroiters to remake their city in the image of the values its citizens hold dear. Then Detroit will be known not just for industrial collapse but for being the world’s first 21st Century city. John Marshall, Stamps School of Art & Design
As a reference, the handbook and online site bring visibility to the
designer enterprises. The book profiles people like
smaller runs, between 100 t0 500, with a staff of 12.
vibrant making scene in Detroit,
Veronika Scoot, a 22-year-old
suggesting various networks of
designer and entrepreneur who
into a viable 21st industry has been
people and fabrication shops in this
employs homeless women to sew
the subject of many news articles and
city and beyond.
and manufacture a convertible coat/
stories, so has the influx of young
sleeping bag for people on the streets.
artists and designers who flood the
both data and personal stories, it is a
It also highlights Charles Baer of
city drawn by the low rents and DIY
fascinating portrait of a post-industrial
Eutectic Engineering, a casting shop
culture. The Re-tool Kit Detroit
city of makers, caught between an old
that once had 120 people on staff to
researchers suggest: they are the
paradigm of mass manufacturing and
do runs of 100,000 parts for the auto
same story.
an emerging economy of handmade,
industry but now performs much
As a research document containing
I could be back in New York, but I would be a sketch monkey for somebody else for a very long time before I could ever get an opportunity to do something like this again. Detroit is the only place where I could, as a 22 year-old, do a business on my own... I can’t think of doing it in any other city. Veronika Scoot, participant in “Re-Tool Kit for Detroit”
19 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
Converting Detroit’s know-how
Photos by Edward West
For the past decade, Stamps faculty Ed West has been engaged in a transnational research project on mixed-race identity. As a fine art photographer, much of Ed’s focus has been on the creation of a series of portraits of mixed/ multi-ethnic people. But his research also led him to significant work in other areas of
So Called Edward West
M
study, including history, sociology, critical race theory and anthropology. Here he talks about his project So Called, and the scope of the academic research that underpins it.
M Y WOR K HAS AL WAY S C ON C ER N ED
individuals and communities are defined. It refers to
itself with periods of transition or
the liminal state that is mixedness, and alludes to both
transformation, and my current work
who names and how naming shapes communities and
involves the imagining and imaging of
understandings of group identity. Which leads me to the
the browning/creolization of the world’s population. It is
other major, non-photographic, area of my work that centers
said that to know something you must stand in its presence.
on naming. Half blood, half breed, half caste, half and half,
And, in many ways, all of this study—whether in text or
halfrican, hapa, hybrid—all names for people of mixed
image—has been an attempt to stand in the presence of the
race. Naming is that moment of definition, when categories
histories and geographies of multi-ethnic people.
are solidified. The name given imposes its power on those
I’ve completed a series of portraits of the people who live
named. As V.S. Naipaul observed “Twenty million Africans
in mixed race communities in Havana, Cuba; Cape Town,
made the middle passage, and scarcely an African name
South Africa; and Honolulu, Hawaii. I chose these particular
remains in the New World.” This research involved the work
locations because I wanted “communities,” places where
of philosophers, historians, anthropologists, theorists, and
the majority of the population was multi ethnic. One of the
political activists. The project’s name So Called highlights the
charges that is frequently leveled against people of mixed
contested place of naming in studying the mixing of races.
race is that they are neither one thing nor another, neither this
This is truly an advocacy project. To date the project
nor that. These portraits confirm that people of mixed race are
has resulted in an exhibition and an artist’s book, and I’m
this AND that, and this and that across a global landscape.
hoping to use both to reach mixed race audiences around the
The title of the project, So Called, also addresses how
country and around the world.
CONTINUED → STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 20
From a recent public presentation by Ed West on naming I BEL I EV E THAT P HOTOGR AP HS
this we cannot deny—came as Spanish,
have the power to displace
Portuguese, French, Dutch, Irish,
us from our usual ways of seeing
English, Italian, etc. And more than a
and provoke us into reflection and
few of us... have some Asian and Native
conversation about the meaning of race.
American roots.*
Clearly the mixing of the races globally occurred almost from the first
black americans who we are or where
moment that distinct populations
we come from has been largely erased.
came in contact with each other. When one says mixed race in
Above is an example of one of the outcomes of
The history of the names that tell
The name given imposes its power on those named. Naming is
America and encounters the literature,
that moment of definition, when
one encounters the principle
categories are solidified. The people
binary of black and white, and the
in these photographs aren’t named,
power formation of dominance and
their ethnicity isn’t named. I’ve
subordination. Color is meant to be
intentionally not named them.
telling in the American story.
So Called is about the problematizing
As black Americans, most of our
of that naming process. It’s a project
an A-Z lexicon poster. The words in caps are the
ancestors came to these shores not as
not only about our history, but about
global racial designations for people of mixed race.
“Africans,” but as Ibo, Yoruba, Hausa,
who we will be moving forward.
The individual names that sit on top are the names
Kongo, Bambara, Mende, Mandinga,
*From ColorLines “So, what are you?” –Robin Kelley
of well known mixed race individuals.
etc. And some of our ancestors—and
the naming research. This graphic is a detail of
21 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
Photos by Edward West
Creative research is built into the Stamps
School’s curriculum, demonstrated through this sampling of undergraduate senior thesis projects.
Nina Pagalos Much of face-to-face communication is conveyed through the body rather than the spoken word. These photographs focus on the ways that parts of the body can be “read,” while the audio piece provides the accompanying narration. Both the images and the audio are intended to provide a fuller storytelling experience.
Leah Backo This piece explores both the positive and the negative mental states that result from being alone. It is an attempt to understand how we think, and how we process information when we are alone. The layering and tangling of different media alludes to the complexity of the mind and of our thought processes. Three separate pieces visualize: the negative thought process, the positive and negative interwoven together, and positive thought process.
Molly Lester Beeware is an active outdoor game that takes on the complex idea of the disappearance of bees, and condenses it for ages six to eight. It's structure is derived from wellknown games, such as freeze tag and capture the flag, and extensive cognitive games like The World Peace Game. This kit describes the interaction between bees, conglomerate farmers, and our environment. It is my goal to educate and impose a sense of responsibility, while constructing a simulation that is enjoyable and interactive.
Allison Knoll This project uses creative work and social experiments to critically examine my own, as well as my peers’, dependency on social media. As part of my research and process I deleted my Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat accounts. I created Organic Communicators to help people move through a 12-step process towards technological freedom and self discovery. STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 22
• A N N U A L
G I V I N G •
Every gift counts Annual Giving at the Stamps School Last year alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff gave more than 500 annual gifts to the School. This support has helped us enrich our programs as we strive to become the model of 21st century art and design education.
ANNUAL GIFTS ARE CRITICAL IN MEETING THE STAMPS SCHOOL’S DAILY NEEDS. They serve as a crucial bridge between tuition revenue and the true cost of a Stamps education. Participation in annual giving helps increase the School’s presence throughout Michigan, the nation, and internationally. Every gift is important and makes an impact. WHEN YOU GIVE to the Stamps School you can designate how your gift is used:
Opportunity Fund The Stamps School Opportunity
International Initiatives Fund
Alumni and Friends Scholarship Fund
Fund is the best way to support
The International Initiatives Fund
The Alumni and Friends Scholarship
the most pressing needs of the
helps defray the cost of international
Fund provides an opportunity
School. Funds are used to seed
travel for Stamps students. The
for donors to have an immediate
new programs, fund special student
Stamps School is the only unit at
impact on student support. Entering
projects, internship opportunities,
the University that requires students
students who have demonstrated
and support minor renovations. Each
to participate in an international
exceptional academic performance
year funds are marked for student
experience. In 2013, over 100
in high school or exceptional creative
enrichment opportunities that
students received international
potential as evidenced by their
include guest lecturers and artists in
scholarships. Scholarships are
portfolios can apply for scholarships
studio-related classes.
awarded in increments of $500
from the Alumni and Friends
(for a non-University of Michigan
Scholarship Fund.
experience), $1,000 (for an “other” University of Michigan experience), and $2,000 (for a Stamps School experience). Scholarships of $250 are also awarded for first-time travelers to apply for their passports.
23 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
When I graduated I decided to pledge some small amount, but to continue every year. Thanks to good health, I’m 88, it’s grown to a reasonable sum.
Paul Hoogesteger Long Time Supporter
P
P A U L HOOG E S T E G E R (B . D E S . ‘ 5 1 ) D OESN ’T SHY
moved to Rochester N.Y. where he created and managed a
away from commitment. Married for 62 years to
corporate-wide industrial design service at Bausch & Lomb.
his wife, Joan, he’s been a faithful donor to the
The projects varied greatly: work stations for analysis of aerial
School for even longer.
photographs, contact lens cases and sterilizers, telescopes
For the past 64 years Paul has contributed $100 each
year to the Stamps School’s Opportunity Fund. “When I
for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, devices for chemical labs—and more.
graduated I decided to pledge some small amount, but to
He also had an opportunity to hire a young industrial
continue every year. Thanks to good health, I’m 88, It’s
designer named Allen Samuels (long before Samuels came to
grown to a reasonable sum.”
Stamps as a faculty member and then dean). The two worked
Paul says he always knew he wanted to study industrial design. But it wasn’t until after Navy service in WWII that he was able to come to U-M. When he arrived he was an enthusiastic and dedicated student. “My first year I was taking 44 hours of class a week. I loved my experience at the art school because all the different art and design principals were under the same roof, and they all shared their work and
together on projects for many years, and
I worked on everything from Dairy Queen machines to gasoline pumps for gas stations.
experiences.” He looks back on his time in
much of the optometry equipment that is still produced by Bausch and Lomb was designed by Paul, Allen, or both. Allen Samuels remembers, “Paul and I got along from the moment we met. He was a thoughtful, intelligent, talented and creative designer and man. Always soft spoken, funny and able to provide sound advice and direction to a young designer who had a great deal to learn.
Under
Ann Arbor fondly and feels that Michigan gave him the skills
Paul’s leadership I designed a line of academic microscopes
he needed to move into a design career.
that were produced and used for years. I often see these
And it has been a very successful career. Just a few years after graduation Paul was hired by a small 100-person R&D
scopes in museums and schools including the Stamps School of Art and Design.”
firm in Davenport, Iowa. The company provided industrial
Now retired for over 25 years, Paul and Joan still live in
design support for companies throughout the Midwest, giving
Rochester in a retirement home. Paul continues to draw, and
Paul the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. “I
he now makes mosaics and has helped to start an art group in
worked on everything from Dairy Queen machines to gasoline
his community. He also continues to contribute each year to
pumps for gas stations.” After seven years Paul and his family
the Stamps Opportunity Fund. STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 24
Launch The 2014 Senior Show
L
LA U NCH F E AT U R E D C U L M I N AT I N G
projects by the School’s graduating seniors produced during their yearlong Integrative Project course,
including film, installation, traditional and new media. Encompassing all of the School’s exhibition venues, the show also featured offsite exhibitions, events, performances and film screenings at the Michigan Theater and Stamps Auditorium.
25 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
Photos by Nicholas Williams (BFA ‘17)
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 26
MFA Thesis Exhibitions 2014
Ann Bartges
Peter Leix
Katie St. Clair
Holding Still
Flint 2014
Wayside
Working with the School of Music, Theater
Building on work with Screen Arts and
Katie's collages and temporal installations
and Dance, Holding Still uses video projection
Cultures, Peter’s feature length documentary
reveal the hidden nature of our closest
and live performance to explore relationships
film explores life in Flint, Michigan through
experiences. She worked with the School of
among memory, photography, time,
an intertwined series of portraits of people
Natural Resources and Creative Writing.
representation and self and image.
in a collapsed environment.
Mia Cinelli
Molly Dierks
Only an Inch Away
Reconstructing Recollection
home/Body
Using research in American Culture, Social
Sociology and anthropology underpin
The sculptures in home/Body deal with the
Work and Public Health, Parisa uses video and
this series of sculptural representations of
mother-daughter bond, gendered role-play,
audio installation, prints and cinemagraphs, to
memories highlighting the discrepancies
and self and body, drawing on personal
speak about holding onto memories of people
between perceived and actual recollections.
experiences, memory, and feminist theory.
when they leave, momentarily or forever.
Parisa Ghaderi
27 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
Photo by Nicholas Williams (BFA ‘17)
B
BETW EEN MARC H 10 AN D AP RIL 8 20 14,
nine
graduating MFA candidates presented their work in
exhibitions, installations and film screenings in Ann Arbor and Detroit. From the kaleidescopic intricacies of a queer pop-up shop and gallery, to an evocation of the memories of place and time held within an historic Detroit building...from 14-foot high paintings, to subverted domestic objects, Stamps MFA candidates demonstrated the depth and range of their conceptual and visual vocabularies, and the benefits of linking with the the rich resources of a research university.
CONTINUED →
John Gutoskey
Juliet Hinely
Shaman Johnny’s Pop-Up Shop & Gallery
Per Mr. Handy
LGBTQ studies, women’s studies and art
and performance installation in the Jam
history inform this project, featuring artist
Handy Building, now abandoned but once
and healer “Shaman Johnny.”
a prolific movie studio in Detroit’s heyday.
Per Mr. Handy is a site-specific audio-walk
Juliet’s research included work with Dance,
Rolando Palacio
Urban Planning, and Museum Studies, as
Una Vida Linda
well as an audio documentary course at
Anthropology and American Culture inform
Duke Center for Documentary Studies.
these photographic portraits of Southwest Detroit, aka Mexican Town. The images reflect “the way we speak to each other and the shared histories of our journey.”
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 28
M FA T H E S I S E X H I B I T I O N S 2 0 14
EMERGENCE
29 / STAMPS
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 30
• R E T I R E M E N T •
His students recognize him as “an artist with a social conscience” and a teacher who “knows how to coax the finest from his students and support creative young minds.”
C
Sadashi Inuzuka Retires
COLLEAGUES COMMEND HIM AS “A WARM
Professor Inuzuka joined the School of Art & Design faculty
and caring humanist who regards each student
following distinguished service on the faculty at the Emily
and colleague as special and encourages each to
Carr College of Art and Design (British Columbia, Canada)
be a better human being, artist, and citizen.”
and the University College of the Fraser Valley (British Co-
Professor Sadashi Inuzuka has been a valued teacher and
lumbia, Canada). At the University of Michigan, Professor
colleague at Stamps since 1996. On June 1 he will retire. During
Inuzuka has been the recipient of a Thurnau professorship,
his time at the school, Inuzuka has developed an international
the highest award conferred for undergraduate teaching.
presence with sculptures and installations that integrate
He has also received a fellowship from the Institute for the
ceramics and digital media to explore the relationship
Humanities and the Michigan Arts Award. Nationally and
between humans and the natural world.
internationally, he has been acknowledged through grants
As an educator he has been a pioneer in the design and implementation of community engagement courses. He has provided life-changing experiences for students and
from the Pew Charitable Trust, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation and the Puffin Foundation. When he retires Professor Inuzuka hopes to continue to
served as a model for his colleagues in understanding art and
educate a new generation to the wonders and challenges
design as powerful modes for social change, with particular
of our natural world. “I am hoping to open an artist-in-
attention to the role of creative processes in the lives of
residence/artist’s retreat in British Columbia. I have planned
differently-abled individuals. His seminars and workshops
for the past several years to move to Cortes Island where I
on “The Many Ways of Seeing and Touching the Spirit”
have some land. The island is very connected to the natural
have paired U-M students with visually impaired or blind
environment and has a well established community with
youth and adults to create ceramic pieces. His course on
ties to the arts, environmentalism and holistic practices.
“Considering the Future of the Great Lakes” encouraged
Cortes is in a beautiful spot in the world and unique for
students to use art to explore environmental issues.
many reasons. I have thought that maybe this would be of
Through each of these experiences, students developed new
interest to students looking for an alternative international
communication skills, a better understanding of the role of
experience, one that would offer studies in environmental
creative work in changing peoples’ lives, and an appreciation
stewardship, organic farming, exploration of ecologically
of alternate modes of perception.
sensitive areas, kayaking, sailing and so on.”
31 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
• I N
M E M O R I A M •
Remembering Harvey K. Littleton Harvey K. Littleton (BSDes ‘47), the father of the American Studio Glass Movement, passed away on December 13, 2013, at the age of 91.
H
HIS INNOVATIONS CHANGED GLASSMAKING
At that time, creative glassmaking required an artist, a factory
and inspired artists like Dale Chiluly and
and glassmakers. But Harvey wanted a simpler process. He
Robert Fritz. Interestingly, his story, like
searched across the world to find the tools and information he
many we’re hearing now from current
needed to melt glass beads in a backyard furnace and then to make
students, also confirms the catalytic, sometimes life-changing,
the work by himself. His friend Dominick Labino, an aspiring artist
impacts of bringing art together with other disciplines.
and research scientist at the Johns-Manville Corporation, designed
As a boy, Harvey literally grew up in his father’s labs at the
a small brick furnace for him to use and by 1962 Harvey was
Corning Glassworks in New York. His father wanted him to
heading the first American academic program in hot glass. Widely
become a scientist. Instead, Harvey would eventually use the
considered to have been the first college-level course offered
scientific skills he learned to start one of the most influential art
in the United States in glassblowing, Harvey’s classes included
movements of the 20th century. Harvey did try the science route
Dale Chilhuly, Marvin Lipofky and Robert Fritz. With their help,
at first, enrolling in Michigan as a physics major in 1939. But
word spread about Harvey’s techniques and similar programs and
he soon transferred to the then School of Art and Architecture
organizations began to appear across the globe.
to study industrial design and ceramics. He experimented with glass, but it would be some years before he focused on it. After graduation he married Bess Tamura (BSDes ‘48), teaming
Harvey called his glass pieces “frozen movement” and the techniques he developed were revolutionary — freeing glassblowing from the cumbersome processes of factory
up with art and design graduates, Bill Lewis (BSDes ‘48) and Ahde
production to make molten glass almost as easy to work with
Lahti (BDes ‘65, MFA ‘68), to open a small design company. He also
as clay. Harvey achieved equal renown as an artist. His own
began teaching ceramics in the evenings, starting a co-op that still
work is in the collections of major museums across the globe,
exists today—the Ann Arbor Potters Guild. With only a little money
including the first pieces of modern glasswork acquired by
coming in from either venture, Harvey went back to school for his
the Metropolitan Museum of Art: “Amber Crested Form” and
MFA so he could teach and continue his ceramic practice. In 1951,
“Amber Twist,” both purchased in 1977.
he was hired by the University of Wisconsin to teach ceramics. But
Harvey is survived by his two daughters, Carol and Maurine;
a trip to Italy and touring the small glass factories there inspired
two sons, Thomas and John; eight grandchildren; and four
him to think again about small-scale glass making. Once he came
great-grandchildren. His wife of 62 years, Bess Tamura
home, he started experimenting with glass in earnest.
Littleton, died in 2009. STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 32
Alumni Updates Share Your News With Us Online and be featured in Emergence and on our website. Have you had recent exhibitions that you’d like to mention? A new job? An entrepreneurial venture? We’ll now be using online submissions as the primary way to gather alumni news for our alumni updates in Emergence. When you submit online you get double the coverage—your news is seen by everyone who receives Emergence AND by everyone who visits our website. It's a great way to stay in touch and to share news and images about you and your creative work.
To Submit News ↓ → To submit, use the following link: → Don't forget to include an image → And, as always, if you have stamps.umich.edu/news/submit
33 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
of your work. And please make sure
any problems submitting online,
that the images you send are about
don’t hesitate to email
1 - 5 MB in size.
katewest@umich.edu.
1950s
and branching out into new, independent forms. The later Lexeme works were abstract and almost unrecognizable from the earlier pieces, and gave way to my current body of work, the DNA Series, which includes large oil paintings. While these abstract paintings may appear unrelated to the Lexeme Series they have, in fact, evolved from it. This evolution represents the human spirit’s
Anneli Arms
power of renewal. The series tells the
Frank Ettenberg
story of humanity’s relationship to
BSDes 1966
BSDes 1958
the towers: humans brought them
The first Santa Fe Armory Show (mounted
Anneli Arms exhibited Animalia:
into being, and humans will continue
in a former local regimental armoury)
Creatures in Print at itmarksthepost (508
to create, even after their destruction.
took place in 1977. It was the flagship
West 26th Street, studio 7f / New York,
Exhibiting my sculpture provides a way
exhibition by and for the burgeoning art
NY 10001) from April 5 to May 8.
for me to generate positive energy to the
community and was primarily guided and
www.itmarksthespot.com
area and to help renew our community.”
fed by diverse artists who came together
Please visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum
briefly to organize and exhibit collectively,
and arrange a visit to Bill’s Tribeca
outside the province of the better
studio, nearby.
organized, simultaneously running Santa
www.911memorial.org/museum
Fe Art Festival. Frank Ettenberg, a MA/
www.billbarrettsculpture.com
Painting graduate in 1966, arrived in Santa Fe after finishing graduate work at the
1960s
Department of Art at UNM/Albuquerque in 1971, and was on the steering committee that conceived of and brought off the funding for this special local event. The reprise of the original exhibition is at the CCA, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM from April 11th to May 30th. www.frankettenberg.com
Bill Barrett BS 1958, MSDes 1959, MFA 1960 Bill Barrett’s LEXEME VII, a cast bronze model from the LEXEME Series, will be exhibited in the grand opening and dedication period of the 9/11 Memorial Museum Dedication, May 15 through 20th, 2014 in New York.
Stephanie Lovell
“I have lived in Tribeca for over 40
BS 1960, MS 1965
years and was devastated by the events
Sew Nanie Sew US is open for business!
of 9/11. I began working on the Lexeme
After several months of gathering
Series shortly after the Twin Towers
together some interesting patterns
were destroyed. As a way to process
and fabric, a few items are posted for
what happened, I went to work in my
sale. I’ve been sewing for myself first
studio. What emerged was an image
as a young teen, then for my children,
Steven Cole
of two geometric shapes (the Twin
then as a profession running a factory
BFA 1969
Towers), enveloped in organic, energetic
in Connecticut. Now I’m retired and
Do you remember the Ozone
forms—forms that suggested renewal
have discovered quilting, now that’s a
Homecoming Parade? That was in
and continuation rather than finality. For
big puzzle! I love putting together bags
1972. It replaced the traditional U of M
the next eight years, I continued working
and totes and quilts with color that
Homecoming Parade which was cancelled
on this idea. As the series progressed,
compliment each other.
that year. I won first prize for a float, in
the two tower-like shapes became more
www.etsy.com/shop/SewNanieSewUS
my costume composed of plastic flowers,
abstract, moving away from one another
American flags, beer cans, and other bits of American culture. C O N T I N U E D → STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 34
I strolled around in this costume at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, too, during the
1970s
Press, 2009), written by Alumna Beverly K. Brandt, has been selected as
early seventies, as well as doing other
on of the “50 Must Have/ Must Read”
performance art at the Ann Arbor Film
books on architecture and design by
Festival. In 2012, the 50th anniversary
Canada’s International Federation of
of the Festival arrived. After a long
Interior Architects/ Designers. The
hiatus in my performing career, I felt
organization is celebrating its 50th
inspired to get involved with this event
anniversary and solicited contributions
by a revival of my costuming skills. The
to this list in honor of that occasion.
result is this outfit, in which I attended
A short description states: “This book
the Festival, and which has prompted
places emphasis upon the Arts & Crafts
some to call me Tie Guy. Wearing this,
Movement, stresses trans-disciplinary
I have returned to the Ann Arbor Street
collaboration, an important concept
Art Fair to again stroll around and to
in today’s practice and education
enjoy sharing with my audience this
while relating the quest for Usefulness
playful departure from the ordinary. www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Eumbyl0nLv8
Susan Hensel BFA 1972 Susan Hensel installed, Raising the Roof
and Beauty to timeless values, which continue to inspire architects, designers, students, and clients today.”
on Home, an architectural sized room
Sara Harwin
divider in the new offices of Habitat for Humanity of the Twin Cities. The artwork
BFA 1969
was funded through a partnership grant
When Sara Harwin’s exhibit, Illuminated
with the State Arts Board of Minnesota.
Letters: Threads of Connection, opened at
The program partners were the Textile
the Oregon Jewish Museum on February
Center of Minnesota and Habitat
5, 2014, it was the culmination of the
for Humanity. The goal of the grant
nearly seven-year project, built on a
was to bring arts programming to
foundation of Jewish experience. Sara
underserved populations. Clients of
created the exhibit “to be a visual entry
Habitat for Humanity earned work
point to Judaism.” The project presents
hours working on the fabric that was
18 core concepts of Judaism through
used to build the artwork.
an artistic lens. A Judaic artist whose
Susan Hensel was also recently
ceremonial and ritual artwork is used
awarded the Jerome Foundation
in synagogues and homes across the
Project Grant through the Textile
country and around the world, Sara
center of Minnesota. For this grant,
knows the impact art can have on
to be completed by Fall of 2014, Susan
understanding and emotions.
will develop digitized embroidery and
“This project is something I am
clothing with the goal of re-visiting old
Sam Viviano
presenting to the Jewish world at large
technologies using modern techniques.
BFA 1975
in the hope that people will find it
susanhenselprojects.com
Sam Viviano was named VP—Art &
useful and inspirational and a way of
Design at DC Entertainment in February,
connecting,” she says. “I want to bring
after toiling anonymously (well, not
people to a deeper understanding and
really) for the last 15 years as Art Director
engagement in Judaism.”
of MAD Magazine. Sam, who gave the
www.ojm.org/experience/exhibits
School of Art commencement address in 2009 (he thinks — it may have been 2010; he’s very bad with dates), has been associated with MAD since 1980 (or was it 1981?), when he illustrated his first cover for the magazine. While his days are generally dominated by his AD duties, he does occasionally find time for a freelance illustration job: as part of DC Comics’ series of variant covers created by MAD
Beverly Brandt BFA 1973 The Craftsman and The Critic: Defining Usefulness and Beauty in Arts and CraftsEra Boston (University of Massachusetts
35 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
artists for its April releases, Sam depicted Alfred E. Neuman as the arch-villain Mr. Freeze for the cover of Nightwing.
Jill Stefani Wagner BFA 1978 Jill Stefani Wagner exhibited paintings in Upend Art’s Terra Nova . . . Landscapes from April 1 to May 19, 2014 in the U-M Power Center for the Performing Arts. The exhibition charts the discoveries of 13 mid-career artists in 55 works, including drawings, fibers, paintings and photography. Barb Williams, Fran Wolok and Stamps lecturer Nora Venturelli curated “Terra Nova.”
Schroeder Cherry BFA 1976
The exhibition can also be viewed online at www.upendart.com/blog. Jill has also had work selected to
Schroeder Cherry and His Puppets
participate in the Great Lakes Pastel
performed at Detroit Institute of Art,
Society National Exhibition at the
Smithsonian Institution’s Hazy Museum
Dennos Museum Center in Traverse
in Virginia, and Piedmont College
City, MI from April 13 to May 25, 2014.
in North Carolina. “Can You Spell
Accomplished pastel artist Desmond
Harlem?” is a show designed for family
O’Hagan juried the exhibition. The
audiences that introduces visual artists,
exhibition will coincide with the Great
writers and songs from the Harlem
Lakes Pastel Society National Convention
Renaissance. University of Maryland
in Traverse City from May 16 to 18.
University College included Schroeder’s
Wagner presented the talk “Organizing
work in the Second Regional Biennial
Your Art Biz” during the conference.
art exhibition. He works in acrylic with
www.jillwagnerart.com
mixed media on wood. Scherry331@aol.com
Sue Finley BFA 1980 Sue Finley is a co-founding member of the Dancing Dog Gallery at 302 E. Liberty in the historic Herb David Guitar building in Ann Arbor. The gallery opened in September of 2013 with a rousing reception and has been a huge success and a positive addition to the art scene in Ann Arbor. We showcase the works of approximately 18 members and visiting artists, displaying paintings, photographs, prints, 3 -D sculpture, jewelry, etc. in our beautiful and lightfilled gallery. Please visit the gallery and join us for our featured artist openings, with shows changing every six weeks. Visit
1980s
our website at dancingdoggallery.biz for more information about hours and upcoming events. We are always looking for new visiting artists to join our group and show their work in our gallery. If interested, the application information is available on the website as well.
Douglas Beasley BFA 1980 Ambiguous Relationships: Sacred Body/
Dale H. Leach BFA 1977 How inspiring it was to have made a second photographic journey to Nova Scotia this past August. Being a dry-land Texan for the last 30 years, it is always a special treat to visit the history-filled, quaint fishing villages of Nova Scotia’s Southwestern Atlantic shore. To rise well before daylight, camera & tripod in hand, and venture out, through the quiet
Sacred Ground, is a solo exhibition of new photographs by Douglas Beasley, held at Vision Quest Contemporary Photography in Genoa, Italy from April 10th through May. The photographs are spiritual metaphors that explore the relationship between self, other and the sometimes vast space in between, which both contain them and set them free from one another. douglasbeasley.com/newsexhibits/
Leslie Nobler BFA 1980 Heirlooms, my solo exhibition, originated
mists, and wait patiently watching as as
at the metropolitan campus Art Gallery
mysterious nets and hulls of fishing boats
of Fairleigh Dickinsen University. A
slowing reveal themselves is an experience
site-specific version of Heirlooms was
close to sublime. Even after 40 years of
also shown through April 2014 at Lenox
photography, I am never disappointed in
Coffee in New York. This work delves
this wondrous maritime landscape!
into one’s heritage and/or faith, in mixed
www.dhlphotographix.com
media/ printmaking,... C O N T I N U E D → STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 36
featuring collages, monoprints, and
including global retail build outs for
artists’ books. My newest works grow
numerous brands. “In today’s ever
out of a study of the Holocaust, gaining
changing business climate, it is essential
greater familiarity with its literature -
to build an emotional connection through
fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. And
user engagement. It begins with building
these pieces visualize some of the richest
a brand and defining a personality and
preserved images and relics.
may take shape in physical buildouts.
An exhibition I curated, The New Scroll,
Gensler has a long history of helping
was shown in April at the Hamilton
brands express themselves in new
Street Gallery in Bound Brook NJ. And an
ways and I am excited to expand these
expanded version of the exhibition is at
capabilities at such a pivotal time.”
the Arts Guild New Jersey - info@agnj. org - from April 27 - May 22. Featuring the work of 11 contemporary artists, The New Scroll highlights today’s scrolls and scroll-like artist’s books and prints inspired by the very idea of the scroll form. These works speak to the relevance
Gabriella Boros
of the scroll for present day artists in all media: book artists, painters,
BFA 1983
printmakers, digital media artists, fiber
Gabriella Boros’ work was at four venues
artists, even photographers.
simultaneously. Her paintings in acrylic
www.leslienobler.com
on wood panel were at the Rivendell Theater of Chicago in conjunction
Leisa Rich BFA 1982 Leisa Rich continues to creatively explore unusual new materials. Her recent heat applications to Wonderflex World’s Fosshape resulted in the teapot “Falling From the Nest” and wearable art work “Birds of A Feather” as well as
Jill (Snyder) Nickels BFA 1981 Gensler, the leading global design firm, announced that Jill Nickels has taken the Studio Director role acting as a senior manager in the company’s San Francisco office. Jill will lead the management efforts for projects in the Lifestyle studio, overseeing a wide range of practice areas such as retail, hospitality, and brand design. With more than 20 years of experience in strategy and brand building for brands such as Mountain Hardwear and Marmot, Jill brings her deep knowledge of outdoor industry marketing communications and business development to Gensler’s
the hundreds of sculptural birds that populate the installation. The costume is the recipient of the SDA's Award of Excellence. Leisa recently exhibited in “The Price Is Right” at Swan Coach House Art Gallery, Atlanta, Georgia, and “Materials: Hard and Soft” at the
with the Babes With Blades Show of L'Imbecile. She has a painting hanging at the City Hall of Highland Park and a Ceramic Mask at the Arthur Feldman Gallery of Judaica. Additionally, her series of drawings about Chicago, which she made in a collaborative effort with poet Dina Elenbogen, were part of the Poetic Dialogue exhibit in the Anne Lloyd Gallery in Decatur, Illinois. She will have a solo exhibit in December at the Old Town Triangle Gallery, and be part of a show with poet Agnes Marton in Luxembourg in August. www.gabriellaboros.com
Greater Denton Arts Council gallery in Denton, Texas. Her stitched work, “Follow the Leader” was featured in the exhibition Flight Patterns at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport terminal T1. She was recently featured in the book Mastering the Art of Embroidery by Sophie Long. Leisa is an art educator currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. www.monaleisa.com
lifestyle studio. Prior to joining Gensler Jill was Vice President of Strategy and Business Development with Hanson develop the brand experience through all
Susan (Weidenthal) Saltzman
communication channels of the active
BFA 1983
lifestyle consumer. She was instrumental
Susan Weidenthal Saltzman and her
in developing the integration of a brand’s
unique SToNZ Jewelry was featured in
personality in all physical environments
an article in The Cleveland Plain Dealer
Dodge Creative, and she led efforts to
37 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
and at Cleveland.com in March, 2014. The interview highlighted Susan’s sterling silver creations and how she finds inspiration for her work. A former illustrator for American Greetings, and a freelance graphic designer, Susan has been selling her SToNZ Jewelry online via Etsy since 2007. www.stonz.etsy.com Her creations integrate authentic seaglass, Lake Erie beach stones, pearls and unusual vintage trinkets she has collected over the years, combined
Judy Enright
with oxidized sterling silver chains and
BFA 1985
handmade silver and copper accents.
I have two paintings in the exhibition Everywoman 50th Anniversary at the Center for the Education of Women
Amanda Krugliak BFA 1984 Performance artist Amanda Krugliak was recently interviewed regarding her
showing March 3rd - May 23rd 2014, Rackham Building, 4th floor 915 East Washington, Ann Arbor, MI. www.judyenright.com
Michelle Krievins-Newman BFA 1987 After a 26+ year career in graphic design, Michelle Krievins-Newman is now working as a full-time fine artist. Michelle is pleased to be represented by
longtime practice as a monologist for the
LaFontsee Galleries of Grand Rapids and
online publication SLICE, which highlights
Douglas, MI. In May the gallery opened
people in Ann Arbor and surrounding
its new building in Douglas with the
communities actively engaged in the arts
exhibition, HOP SKIP + A JUMP, LaFontsee
and other creative pursuits.
Galleries, 410 West Center Street Douglas,
www.sliceannarbor.com
MI, May 17-June 21, 2014. Visit the Grand Rapids location at 833 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids, MI. www.lafontsee.us
Keith Ekstam MFA 1987 Keith Ekstam will serve as a Resident Visiting Artist at Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center, Skælskør, Denmark, during the month of June, 2014. This activity is assisted by a Summer Faculty Fellowship from Missouri State University where Keith
Carol Coates MFA 1985
is a member of the Art and Design
Linda Walsh Lapinski
Department faculty.
BFA 1987
Two recent 2013 exhibitions included the
As an artist I was no longer able to ignore
mixed media work of Carol Coates. The
the changes I was seeing in the landscape.
first, an exhibition of Nudes at Evoke
Tall reeds choking out the cattails of my
Contemporary Gallery in Santa Fe, New
precious wetlands. The loss of the Spring
Mexico, and the second, an exhibition of
ethereal flowers... the migrating birds
her signature mesh overlay work at Lois
were no longer in areas where they had
Lambert Gallery in LA. The work shown
been nesting for years. The turtles were
at Evoke, “Epilogue”, was featured in an
not returning to lay their eggs. What
article by John D. O'Hern in American Art
was going on? Invasives! As a nation we
Collector Magazine. Her figure studies
are being invaded by non-native plants,
and other portfolios can be seen on her
shrubs and trees! The public loves them,
site at carolcoates.com
I loved them, these plants have no enemies, they always look beautiful, they survive, but they are choking the life out of our native animals, plants, trees and shrubs that I love to... C O N T I N U E D → STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 38
live with and photograph. I am now the President of a non-profit Oakland Phragmites & Invasive Species (OPIS) Task Force, started with my
cyclic process of the natural world, which gives rise to the use of materials such as dirt, wood, leaves, acorns and insects. In 2013, Schorn also received an
partner, Emily DuThinh. Our mission
Arts Education Grant from Arts Mid-
is to protect the quality of Oakland
Hudson and Netherwood Elementary
County’s lakes, streams and wetlands,
School in Hyde Park, NY. During the
preserving them for future generations
month of October, he worked with 200
from non-native invasive species.
third- through fifth-grade students to
Clinton River Watershed Council awarded
create a collaborative, environmental
OPIS the Johanna Roskopp Award for
installation on the school’s grounds.
outstanding contributions to protecting,
The installation began by observing the
enhancing and celebrating the Clinton
basic design elements in our natural
river, its watershed and Lake St. Clair. In
environment. Students then used the
just one year, OPIS has helped numerous
elements to design a painting on a
townships in Oakland County initiate
stone. Each stone was then placed in
invasive removal programs. Volunteers
a spiral form around a freshly planted
and dedicated elected officials are
tree. The project was finished with a
helping to restore this beautiful area to
group discussion and contemplative
its natural beauty.
walk around the installation.
My exhibition space is the wetlands
www.brianschorn.com
surrounding my home. The gallery I exhibit photos from is the lake and wetlands. OPIS convinced Clarkston and Independence Township to start a three-
Jill Ayers BFA 1994 I’m excited to step into my new role as President of the Society for Experiential Graphic Design and work with a wonderfully supportive Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, our talented staff, and our steadily growing SEGD membership. www.egd.org/blog/letter-jill-ayers-
1990s
new-segd-president
the lake and stream from being overrun
Susan Holdaway-Heys
by Phragmites. Come see the space, open
BFA 1994
24/7. I would love to throw a reception....
In 2012 I was notified by the Art In The
year project to stop the invasives and save
Embassies program that the Ambassador requested one of my art quilts for loan in Maputo, Mozambique. The piece I chose was no. 1054, 53” x 58”, as he is from the west side of our state. It will return in 2015. I will also have new work on display at the University Hospital Main Lobby,
Valerie Doran Bashaw MFA 1992 I just completed a four-panel commission for a private residence. The work is created using Katagami, Japanese
floor 1, Ann Arbor, in Local Color, works that relate in some way to Ann Arbor. The show will run August 18-October 6 2014 viewing hours 8am-8pm. www.sueholdaway-heys.com
mulberry stencil paper and colored paste
Brian Schorn
resists. There are two layers of silk to this piece, the top is nearly transparent
MFA 1987
organza, both were printed together.
From April through October of 2013,
Each panel is 14” x 16”.
Brian Schorn exhibited new work in a
www.wovenwind.net
two-person exhibition, Lost and Found, at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. He seeks to discover unexpected connections in everyday objects and experiences. An overarching theme in the work is the “enso,” a Japanese word meaning “circle.” The enso is a common
Ryan Ringholz
subject of Japanese brush calligraphy
BFA 1997
and symbolizes enlightenment, the void
PLAE Inc. Founder & Chief Designer,
and “the present moment.” In Schorn’s
Ryan Ringholz, was recently awarded
work, the enso is also symbolic of the
the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2014
39 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
for PLAE’s ‘roan’ style shoes. In the current competition, the international
2000s
40-member panel of experts discussed and evaluated 4,815 entries from 53 countries. With a kid-centered approach to design, PLAE shoes uniquely address the biometric needs of children while empowering creative expression. The
Gregory Steel
key feature, an interchangeable closure
MFA 2001
system, allows for a custom fit (inclusive
I have just been promoted to associate
of those who wear ankle-foot-orthotics)
professor with tenure at Indiana
with multiple length straps that also
University at Kokomo. In addition this
offer kids the chance to mix-it-up and
past summer I passed my oral exams
make it their own with different color,
for my PhD in philosophy from the
material and print options. To ensure a
Institute for Doctoral Studies in the
world worth playing in, PLAE shoes are
Visual Arts and I am working on writing
made with ISO 14001 certified leather,
my dissertation, working title, “The
recycled PET lining, water-based glue,
Sublime, a nexus of faith and reason in
and anti-microbial ECO-Ortholite insoles
contemporary video art and cinema.”
made from castor beans. www.goplae.com/red-dot
Also, I have three video works in a show in NYC this month around the Frieze festival, not at the festival but nearby in an alternative gallery space.
Jenny Schu BFA 2004 Last year Jenny Schu had her grantrelated exhibition, Creating a Nature. This led to seven of her pieces going on to internationally juried shows in four different states. She also took home three awards from the Michigan League of Handweavers Conference Exhibits including Best of Show and People’s Choice Awards for “She Can’t See the Forest through the Trees.” Jenny was also one of the recipients of her own billboard in the Lansing MI area. In 2014 she has already given talks about her work to two fiber arts guilds and is gearing up for a summer of teaching workshops and working on two
Yulia Hanansen
larger bodies of work. Jenny is offering
MA 1998
workshops through Interlochen College
Yulia Hanansen’s artwork is part of
of Creative Arts, the first on May 31, and
Shattering Expectations juried exhibition of contemporary mosaic arts. The exhibition opened in March at Philadelphia Magic Gardens and is the first exhibition in Philadelphia to showcase the artworks by mosaic artists living on the East Coast. Yulia’s artwork spans from cosmic views to satellite images of the hurricanes to futuristic visions where the distribution of water on the planet becomes ever so important for human survival. The show was curated by Nancie Mills Pipgras of Mosaic Art Now. www.mosaicsphere.com www.mosaicartnow.com/
Katie Halton BFA 2004 Katie Halton has been accepted into the MFA program in Painting and Drawing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago! Admission is incredibly competitive, so this is a great honor and privilege. Katie begins the program this fall. She is excited about this new chapter of her life and career. Katie was
the second on June 30. In August she is teaching a three-day beadweaving workshop with the Michigan League of Handweavers. In May Jenny was at Blueberry View Artist Retreat in Benton Harbor to focus on working on her Uprooted Series which includes beaded sculpture. There will be a reception at the end of her stay. More details at www.jennyschu.com
introduced to SAIC during her undergrad at U of M. She was awarded a fellowship to Ox-Bow, SAIC’s residency program and art school on Lake Michigan, the summer following her junior year. It was an incredible experience and turning point in her artistic development. Katie will be participating in some exhibitions and fundraising efforts before she leaves Michigan in August. For information about these exciting events, visit her website: www.katiehalton.com. Don't forgot to “follow by email” to receive the latest updates. STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 40
a manufacturer of furnishings from
performance, Holwerda presented her
around the world. Their works are the
work at the Cleveland Institute of Art's
result of collaborations between in-
Feminism Now Symposium.
house designers and a variety of new
saramholwerda.com
and seasoned international talents.
godisthedj.com
Keeping with the brand’s environmental sensitivity, Jason strives to utilize found and discarded materials and create product collections with an organic contemporary feel. These rings are cut from decommissioned 55-gallon oil drums found in Northern Thailand. He designed 22-inch diameter discs that were cut and fashioned into a successful line of wall decor. Still, remnants of the lids were left over, and Jason wasn’t satisfied.
Chris Bradley BFA 2005
From these rings, the Olympic Collection was born. Freestanding screens, tables, pedestals and seating
From March through April, Chris Bradley
were all designed and developed by Jason
participated in the exhibition Teen
and fabricated in the local communities
Paranormal Romance at the Renaissance
of Chiangmai, Thailand. The collection
Society, University of Chicago. Within
is currently being marketed to high end
popular culture, expression given to
furniture galleries and interior design
adolescent drives has only intensified
and architectural firms around the world.
as the genre of Teen Romance has
www.phillipscollection.com
been distilled and repackaged as Teen
Megan Hildebrandt BFA 2006 Megan Hildebrandt and Sara Holwerda (BFA ‘06) are part of EyeSplice Collective, a group of international emerging artists founded in 2012. We put on exhibitions, screenings, performances and artist talks in institutions around the world. We are excited to announce two forthcoming exhibitions in 2014: Our exhibition Practical Feminism will be at Radiator
Paranormal Romance. Twilight, The Hunger
Gallery in Queens, NYC
Games, True Blood, and the Divergent
(www.radiatorarts.com) from May
Trilogy are also dystopic, psychosexual
2 - June 6 2014. Our exhibition Spatial
cyphers for the panoply of Obama-era
Disruption will be at the Morean Arts
ideological positions from revanchist
Center in St. Petersburg, FL from
religious, economic, and sexual politics to
Sept- Oct 2014.
Libertarian fever-dream apocalypticism.
eyesplicecollective.blogspot.com
This exhibition samples artistic production in the wake of a zeitgeist that has rendered the unconscious a derelict playground home to weeds of surrealism. Chrisbradley.org
Sara Holwerda BFA 2006
Tommy Kuntze
Sara Holwerda recently opened her
BFA 2009
solo exhibition And is Herself Created Ohio as part of the 2014 Window to
& Kristina Frost
Sculpture Emerging Artist Series. Featuring
BFA 2009
at The Sculpture Center in Cleveland,
Jason Phillips
printmaking, sculpture, and animation,
Kristina Frost and Tommy Kuntze, were,
BFA 2005
the exhibition opened with a live
and still are, the entire design team
Jason Phillips recently designed
performance of The Fall on March 20th,
for MoPub...the startup that was key
and fabricated his Olympic Screen.
and featured student performers from
to Twitters’ incredible IPO. Tommy
It stands at an impressive 10’ x 10’
the Cleveland Institute of Art. The Fall is
has been at MoPub since August ‘12
and was designed for his family’s
a Links Hall Fiscally Sponsored Project.
as their first Designer, focusing on
furniture company, Phillips Collection,
In conjunction with her exhibition and
User Experience and Interface Design.
41 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
Kristina joined in September ‘13 as Visual
as the artworks will preserve what
show) www.woeskegallery.com/en.
Designer. MoPub is known for having
remains of the trails and document the
Resulting in a two page spread in the
one of the best UIs in the space and we
contemporary experience of navigating
magazine art.es.
continue to push ourselves to make life
them on foot. The artworks are a literal
easier on our users by building a faster
and figurative trace of the past. 2) I will
activities, soon after leaving Michigan
and more intuitive product. Together,
do short, site-specific performances for
I moved to New York where I attended
Kristina and Tommy tag-team the
the camera that are direct responses to
the New York Academy of Art Master’s
product design process at MoPub/Twitter.
the landscape I am in and my emotional
Program. I completed my Master’s
“MoPub is a one-stop ad serving
With regard to my most recent
response to it. These works will provide
program about nine months ago and
platform designed for mobile application
a welcome interlude while my body is
was hired on working for a hyper-realist
publishers to manage their ad inventory
resting between walks. (See my Intimate
sculptor, Carole Feuerman as one of her
on iOS and Android. MoPub enables
Frustrations Series for examples of this
head fabricators. But I was not satisfied
app publishers to optimize multiple
kind of work.)
working as a technician. Now, I live in
sources of advertising in a single
Punta Arenas, Chile (South Patagonia)
product – including direct ads, house
with my fiancé, a painter, Daniela
ads, ad network, and real-time bidding
Kovacic. I have been here for just over
through MoPub Marketplace. MoPub was
three months and my Spanish has
founded by former AdMob and Google
improved everyday. I am getting married
team members and is backed by Accel
this coming August. I have a studio here
Partners, Harrison Metal Capital, and
and am continuing my thesis work.
Jafco Ventures. We have offices in San Francisco and New York City.” www.usatoday.com/story/tech/ columnist/shinal/2013/11/07/twitteripo-mopub/3468473/
2010s Lucy Engelman BFA 2011
Sam Detch
Sarah Berkeley MFA 2011
The Society of Publication Designers announced the medal finalists for their
BFA 2011
4th Annual Awards late last month and
As a part of my Stamps thesis work I
several projects Lucy Engelman worked
completed a large bronze sculpture of
on have been mentioned. Lucy has had
my father and me to commemorate
the opportunity to work with various
his fight against cancer. In March 2015
publications, but it is her work with
the sculpture will be installed in its
Bon Appetit that has gained recognition
permanent public home, the cancer ward
in the following categories: Design:
of Advocate Health Care’s Christ Medical
Feature, Lifestyle/Travel/Food/Shelter
Center. The piece can be viewed on my
(Single/Spread); Illustration Spots:
website, www.samdetchsculpture.com
Series, Tablet: Best Use Of Illustration;
and is entitled “Goodbye.”
and Tablet: Typography.
After my father died my work
The pieces that have been recognized
I have been awarded a residency at Cedar
shifted to the politics of art and the art
include a redesign of the magazines spines
Point Biological Station in the inaugural
market. From Google images, I sculpted
for all 2013-2014 issues, creating a single
year of the residency, which was founded
portrait busts of iconic players: Robert
image of seasonal ingredients as well as an
by Karen Kunc. I will be working on two
Hughes (ex New York Times art critic), Eli
illustrated spread from the May 2013 issue.
projects. 1) Walking historical trails
Broad (billionaire collector and museum
at and near Cedar Point to generate
director), and Marian Goodman (dealer
publication celebrating travel,
2-dimensional artworks from my GPS
NYC and Paris). Marian Goodman
exploration and lifestyle called The
tracks. This is a continuation of my
actually became the happy owner of
Collective Quarterly was recently released
Walking Still series. So far, the longest
her own bust. I was offered to show my
with Lucy Engelman as the publications
walk I have completed was 21 miles. This
thesis work at the Woeske Gallery in
illustrator. The issue takes a new
chapter of the series expands my practice
Berlin (my first show and international
aesthetic approach... C O N T I N U E D →
The inaugural issue of a new
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 42
to advertising and is an overall great start
adaptation uses the bodyweight method to
to guide curriculum recommendations
to what will be a beautiful collection of
tighten the strings of a harp. Users will be
for RISD and like-minded institutions
stories, markers, and adventures.
invited to sit in the sling harp and play it.
interested in physical making skills
www.collectivequarterly.com
loompianola-project.tumblr.com
(including cross-overs into tangible computing, open source hardware, etc.) and identify a potential for relationship building between the university and these grass-roots spaces. TeshiaTreuhaft.com
Lyz Luidens BFA 2013 Jessica Krcmarik BFA 2012
Collin McRae MFA 2012 Reed Esslinger MFA 2012
Dylan Box BFA 2012 Alex Kaufman BFA 2013
Did you know that 19th century Jaquard
Ellen Rutt BFA 2012
Loom technology led to the system that drives a Player Piano, which led to the
James Reich BA 2013
first punched-hole cards used in early
Teshia Treuhaft
computing? Drawing from this shared
BFA 2012
Krcmarik, Dylan Box, Alex Kaufman,
lineage, Collin McRae, Reed Esslinger,
I have been awarded a grant to travel
Ellen Rutt, and James Reich, and artist
and Esthir Lemi are collaborating
to NYC, Berlin and Vienna from June to
Matthew Jenkens, have been building out
to create a hybrid object that can
September 2014 through the RISD 2050
and renovating a collective studio space
simultaneously weave a tapestry and
Fund, created to support research into
in Eastern Market.
create music. The taut strings of the
imagining our future and stimulate the
loom's warp are also the strings of the
landscape of possibilities for art and
street, is located at 1492 Gratiot Ave in
instrument, which we will bow with a
design education.
Detroit, spans two floors and several
rosined cello bow. As the tapestry grows
For my 2050 project I will be looking
Since January, Lyz Luidens, Jessica
‘Riopelle,’ named after an adjacent
thousand square feet, and is next to
between these strings, the pitch shifts.
at alternative educational spaces that
Inner State Gallery and Trinosophes. The
Reed Esslinger is an experienced weaver,
facilitate the development of similar
first floor has a breakroom, a restroom,
and Collin McRae is an experimental
skill sets to that of traditional design
and two workrooms—a main room with
musician. Their collaborator, Esthir Lemi,
programs in Higher Education. These
individual work desks and one large
is a composer / visual artist currently
spaces typically are considered ‘Hacker’ or
common work table; and a print room
visiting from Athens, Greece on a
‘Maker’ spaces many of which are started
with letterpress & combination presses
Fulbright studying with Sile O’Modhrain
by groups of members that pool together
for lithography, relief and etching. The
in Performing Arts and Technology.
resources to make spaces in which
print room, currently being built out by
We will be using a MaKey MaKey, a
they can do creative projects. My initial
Lyz and James, may eventually be used
computer / real-world interface created
interest came about as a result of working
for retail & gallery shows as well. The
in collaboration with Eric Rosenbaum at
as the “emerging artist-in-residence”
basement has been partially rebuilt for
the MIT Media Lab.
at Maker Works in Ann Arbor, Michigan
a more open plan layout, and currently
immediately following my completion of
houses a woodshop and a work area, a
my BFA at the Stamps School.
sink for post-work paint cleanup, and an
The LoomPianola and SlingHarp are on exhibit in the Duderstadt Center Gallery starting on May 9th. The LoomPianola
The goal of the research is to accumulate
extra worktable. Eventually, they hope to
will share the gallery with its sister
data and a series of interviews with
hybrid object, the SlingHarp. Inspired
founders and members of these hacker
by the Guatemalan tradition of using a
and makers spaces. Because of the
of their space and a group exhibition of
loom in which the user sits, using her/
striking similarity of skill sets—the
recent works in late spring/early summer.
his own bodyweight to create tension, our
eventual plan will be to allow the findings
www.facebook.com/riopellecollective
• IN
add a spray booth and extra ventilation. Riopelle plans to hold a grand opening
MEMORIAM •
Bruno Andrade
Hope E. Lull
Gordon H. Morrow
MFA 1977
BDes 1937
DSDes 1959
Katharine T. Hahn
Paul C. Marince
Annabel D. Peckinpaugh
BFA 1978
BDes 1949
BDes 1940
Nils A. Lou
George A. Moak
BSDes 1954
BDes 1951
43 / STAMPS
EMERGENCE
The Stamps Community is Online! ↘ umstampsschool.tumblr.com
Follow @stamps on Social Media ↓ And stay connected with faculty, students, and alumni.
→ instagram.com/umstamps
Let’s take a moment and give some love to the WOMYN! Creating, uh, flooring for your offsite space, making last minute ‘bathroom art’ and... finally, yes, your very own show poster... whew. #IP2014 #annarbor #artschool #exhibitions #seniorthesis LEARN MORE ONLINE
Tumblr
→ umstampsschool.tumblr.com
A Day in the Studio: Margaret Hitch Power Objects Stone lithographs and collage on Kozo
→ twitter.com/UM _ Stamps
Alum Janna Coumoundouros talks about designing for the Samurai Competition @DIADetroit – beautiful work! http://ow.ly/wpOkm @lilacpop
“Inspired by a recent adventure and my study of scientific illustration, these images act as a catalog of specific objects which I feel a deep personal connection to. These objects have the power to guide and protect those who collect and keep them close.”
LEARN MORE ONLINE
→ facebook.com/umartanddesign
This will make you make you miss the snow. No, really. Though we’re all pretty relieved to be out of deep winter and the snowpocalypse of 2014, it did serve as a perfect backdrop to the “Pigmental Performance assignment” in Robert Platt’s “Experiments in Color” class last month. Photos by Charlie Naebeck, BFA ‘14 L E A RN M O RE O N LIN E
LEARN MORE ONLINE
POSTED APRIL 17
P O S T E D M AY 6
P O S T E D M AY 2
POSTED MARCH 28
STAMPS E M E R G E N C E
/ 44
P
R
I
N
G
2
0
1
4
EMERGENCE
Please Recycle
www.stamps.umich.edu • www.playgallery.org
stamps.umich.edu/exhibitions
Work will be on view July 14 – August 2, 2014 • Show Opening: July 14
2014 Stamps Alumni Exhibition: Unintended Consequences
U P CO M I N G AT S TA M P S
Supporting Art and Design Education: Why Now?
S
University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design 2000 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2069
amconnel@umich.edu
If it has, email Amber Connell at
Has your address changed?
Non-Profit US Postage PA I D Ann Arbor, MI Permit #144