WSU Vancouver Features “Vital Elements” and Collage-a-matics Group Show

VANCOUVER, Wash. – A collection of oil and mixed media work, entitled “Vital Elements,” from artist Serena Barton and a group show from the “Collage-a-matics” art class will be on display in the Washington State University Vancouver galleries.

Serena Barton’s “Vital Elements” will be on display Jan. 12 – Feb. 27, 2006 at the Student Services building gallery. Barton’s show is inspired by the art, culture and light of Italy and by the work and lives of Italian women artists of the past. These courageous women broke new ground as professional painters during the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. The complexity of their emotions and struggles is portrayed in the richly colored and layered paintings and mixed media pieces, many of which incorporate found elements. 

Born and raised in Oregon, Barton combines her lengthy career as a therapist with her passion for creating art.  She continues to be inspired by Italy and by the mystery, humor and passions of life. In addition to creating artwork, Barton is employed as a mental health therapist. Her work has been shown widely in the Pacific Northwest and is held in private collections. Visit www.serenabarton.com for more information about the artist.

The group exhibition from the art class “Collage-a-matics” is curated by class instructor Linda Sawaya and will be on display in the Engineering Life Sciences building Jan. 6 – Feb. 17, 2006. The works shown represent 14 artists who have attended collage classes led by Sawaya. The pieces are diverse, visually stimulating and provide a sense of what can be created using old magazines, glue stick, a sharp pair of scissors and a spirit of play. The community is invited to attend an opening reception on Jan. 19, 2006, 2-4:00 p.m. in the Engineering Life Sciences building gallery to view the artwork and meet the artists. Visit www.lindasawaya.com for more information about the artist or art classes.

Entry to campus exhibits is free. WSU Vancouver galleries are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205. Parking is available at parking meters or in the blue lot for $1.75.

Pictures of the collections are available, contact Analese Forster, (360) 546-9580, forster@vancouver.wsu.edu.