September 14 through November 4, 2018
The arts community of St. Joseph and the region benefit from a close relationship between the AKMA and the art faculty at MWSU. The artists in this exhibition provide a solid foundation in the arts for their students and encourage exploration in new digital media and creative expression. This exhibition will present the recent work of faculty members who all continue to be active working artists.
The public is invited to meet the artists at an Opening Reception Friday, September 14th from 5-7 pm. There is no charge to attend the Opening.
Peter Britton: Peter C Britton is an Assistant Professor at Missouri Western State University (MWSU) in the Department of Art. He teaches Game Design and Digital Animation. Prior to MWSU he taught Computer Animation and Game Art Design at Digital Media Arts College and the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He has worked on real-time visualization for real estate using Unity and Unreal gaming engines. In addition to interactive and non-interactive media, he has developed and design game controller add-ons for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One gaming systems. He holds an M.F.A. and B.F.A. from Miami International University.
Rebecca Foley: Associate Professor Rebecca Foley teaches in the areas of Photography and Interactive Design. Her personal artwork bridges digital and historical photographic methods, while exploring ideas of personal history and universal experience. She has exhibited throughout the United States and has served as an artist in residence at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and at the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in Nebraska City, Nebraska. She has an M.F.A. from Indiana University and a B.A. from Rice University.
David Harris: David Harris is the ceramics instructor and Associate Professor of Art at Missouri Western State University. As a working artist and art educator he encourages students to “explore their unique talents, develop their creativity, and fine-tune their distinctive voice”. He founded the David Harris Pottery in 1978. Working as a full-time studio artist he produced a wide range of both functional and nonfunctional ceramic forms. His work has been exhibited in numerous national and international venues, and is included in many public and private collections. He has an M.F.A. from Fort Hays State University and B.A. from Missouri Western State University.
Teresa Harris: Teresa Harris is an Associate Professor of Art at Missouri Western State University, teaching courses in Graphic Design, Typography, and Final Portfolio. She believes graphic designers give visual meaning and aesthetic form to information in a variety of media and formats. With a curriculum based on design problem solving, students learn to communicate specific messages to intended audiences with a careful manipulation of words and images. Their work in the art of visual communication promotes, informs, explains, clarifies, enhances, fascinates and amuses Since arriving at MWSU in 2004, Teresa has exhibited in over 40 national, international, and invitational art exhibitions. Her mixed-media personal work is primarily autobiographical, finding visual connections between past familial history and current life experiences. Commissions of her work include Jesup & Lamont, Inc., Provident Life Insurance, Inc., and A,T & T. Corporate collections include McDougal, Littell & Company Publishers, Sandusky Art Center, Ann Arbor Art Center, and Saks Fifth Avenue, NY. In addition to teaching, Teresa has worked as a freelance graphic designer, an artist-in-residence, and a full-time studio artist. She has an M.F.A. from Fort Hays State University and B.A. from Missouri Western State University.
Eric Fuson: Eric Fuson is an instructor in the foundations program of the art department. After receiving his B.A. from Missouri Western State University he began teaching there in 1990. Eric currently teaches drawing, two-dimensional design, and three-dimensional design. A background in photography, graphic design, drawing, jewelry, and sculpture are evident throughout his work. Presently, Eric is working in wire, as he challenges the concept of drawing with a three-dimensional line. Eric’s continual exploration across media becomes a method by which he understands and relates to a new student, and their search for personal expression.
Matt Hepworth: Matt Hepworth is an Assistant Professor of Art at Missouri Western State University (MWSU), teaching courses in Interactive Design. Prior to arriving at MWSU, he taught courses in Graphic Design, Art History and Digital Photography at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. Pedagogically, he believes that integrating interdisciplinary design collaboration in and outside of the classroom prepares students toward becoming inveterate design thinkers. In addition to teaching, Matt served in the design industry as a senior designer and illustrator involved in: 3D modeling, art direction, front-end programming, identity design, print and web design, technical writing, usability testing, user-centered design and visualization design. A recipient of regional, national and international awards, his work ranges from local business clients to national corporations and higher education, including: CenturyLink, Microsoft, SEO-Moz, Volkswagen and Gonzaga University.
Peter Hriso: Peter Hriso is an associate professor at Missouri Western State University (MWSU) in the Department of Art. He teaches digital animation and motion graphics. He also is the Chair of the Department of Art, responsible for working with the faculty for recruitment, marketing, curriculum, scheduling and budgeting. Peter received his B.S. degree from The University of Southern Indiana with an emphasis in fine art. Peter received his M.F.A. from The Ohio State University with an emphasis in Computer Graphics and Animation. Prior to teaching, Peter worked in animation and interactive production being involved in all areas of digital media including visualization, multimedia, and web development. His job titles have varied from animator, project manager, multimedia artist and web designer. His main role has always been to bridge the gap between design and technology. He has worked with industrial, corporate and education clients including: Compaq, Ford, Daimler Chrysler, VW, Delphia, Siemens, and QWEST.
Kathy Liao: Assistant Professor Kathy Liao teaches in the areas of Painting and Printmaking. Drawing inspirations from her diverse cultural background and personal history, her mixed media work is about the intimate yet universal concept of relationships. Liao received her MFA in Painting from Boston University and BFA in Painting and Drawing from University of Washington, Seattle. Liao is a recipient of various awards including the Elizabeth Greenshield Foundation Grant, Artist Grants from Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Vermont Studio Center, and Jentel Artist Residency. Prior to coming to Missouri Western, she taught at Boston University, University of Washington, Seattle University, and DigiPen Institute of Technology, and Gage Academy of Art. Her works were exhibited nationally in Boston, New York, Los Angelos, and Seattle.