New art gallery debuts on the Parkville campus

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Walking into Norrington Center, after sitting down with coffee in one hand and laptops in the other, many students might not notice the array of mind-bending paintings, sculptures and sketches surrounding them. But the Norrington Art Exhibition by Park University’s students is there for anyone whose eye it catches.

The Campanella Gallery, on the second floor of Norrington, features artists who are students, faculty and broader community members. The current featured artist is Matt Krawcheck. His show is on display be-
tween August 1 and September 9. An artist statement in the exhibit says of his skewed oil paintings: “Ever since he learned about perspective from his middle school art teacher, Matt has dreamed of one day visiting the vanishing point.”

The Gallery in the McAfee Memorial Library also often holds artist receptions and lectures by artists. Krawcheck, an instructor of art from University of Missouri-Kansas City, held his on August 18.

Andrea Lee, program coordinator for the exhibition and an assistant professor of art, selects the artwork to be featured in the gallery shows. She explained what the gallery space brings to Park University.

“When I select, from my students in particular, I’m teaching the students how to create an exhibit – skills such as framing, lighting, presenting. When we do this we’re also enriching student learning.”

There are a variety of exhibitions, eight throughout the entire school year, already predetermined the year in advance.

“We have exhibits by individual featured students; we have exhibitions for multiple students; we have months reserved for faculty or the community. December and May are reserved for my graduating seniors’ final projects,” Lee said.

Last year, after a structural disturbance, the gallery had to be moved from its original location in the underground, but Lee would like to assure the students that the student artworks will be just fine in their new home.

“We have all sorts of new developments for the gallery, trackpad lighting and pedestals, those will be for the upcoming months,” she said.

Admission is free to the Campanella Gallery, and it is open during Norrington Center hours, which may vary by season.