Adrian College art gallery hosting ‘Stars and Stripes’ exhibit through July

“American Beauty” by Kari Souders is one of the pieces in “Stars and Stripes: Artistic Dialogues on the American Flag” at Adrian College’s Hickman Gallery.
“American Beauty” by Kari Souders is one of the pieces in “Stars and Stripes: Artistic Dialogues on the American Flag” at Adrian College’s Hickman Gallery.

ADRIAN — Adrian College’s Hickman Gallery is hosting “Stars and Stripes: Artistic Dialogues on the American Flag” through July 26. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

“Stars and Stripes: Artistic Dialogues on the American Flag” is a juried art exhibition featuring artists in all media who delve into the symbolism, history, and diverse perspectives surrounding this iconic emblem. From traditional interpretations to avant-garde expressions, the exhibit features works that reflect the myriad ways in which the American flag serves as a powerful symbol of identity, unity, and freedom.

Adrian College assistant professor of art Travis Erxleben said the exhibition will explore the American flag through the lens of contemporary art and promises to be a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience.

The national juried exhibition had artists from all over the country submit their works for consideration. Erxleben received 91 pieces from 41 artists representing 16 states. From those submissions, about three dozen were selected to be included in the exhibition.

“We are excited to invite the community to join us for this extraordinary exhibition,” Erxleben said. “We aim to foster a dialogue about the complexities and nuances inherent in the visual representation of our nation’s identity. Through the creative lens of contemporary artists, we hope to inspire reflection and discussion on the significance of the American flag in our society.”

The exhibition will feature a diverse selection of artworks, showcasing the talents of artists who have reimagined and reinterpreted the Stars and Stripes in innovative ways. 

“Visitors can expect to encounter a rich tapestry of artistic expressions that challenge conventional notions and provoke new insights into this enduring symbol,” Erxleben said.

The Hickman Gallery is on Adrian College’s campus in the Mahan Center for Art and Interior Design and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, email Erxleben at [email protected].

Art by Adrian Dominican Sisters and Associates highlighted

An exhibit showcasing the artwork of Adrian Dominican Sisters and Associates will be open to the public through Sunday, July 28. The exhibit is in the INAI gallery on the Dominican Sisters campus, 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr.

“INAI: A Retrospective” features a variety of media used by Adrian Dominican Sisters and Associates, including painting, sculpture, quilting, weaving, and photography.

“The creative contributions of Dominican Sister and Associate artists have a long history and have enriched the local community, Siena Heights University, Weber Center, residents, and all who visit the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ campus,” said Sr. Suzanne Schreiber, OP, coordinator of INAI.

INAI (pronounced in-EYE and meaning “within” in Japanese) is a ministry of Weber Center on the Motherhouse Campus of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian. Enter the campus in the eastern driveway by the solar parking lot and follow the signs for Weber Center/INAI.

INAI Gallery is next to the Weber Center. Watch for the bright green door.

INAI is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, call 517-266-4090 or email [email protected].

This will be the INAI gallery’s final exhibit. As part of a campus transformation, the INAI building will be used for another purpose after this exhibit, but plans are in the works for a new space that can continue to offer the community a place of reflection, art, and beauty.

Current and upcoming exhibits at the Adrian Center for the Arts

The following exhibits are taking place at the Adrian Center for the Arts on the campus of Planewave Instruments, 1375 N. Main St., Adrian.

  • Echoes of Inspiration: An exhibit of work by students in the ACA’s youth art clubs and Prairie Elementary School, each paired with a response piece created by an adult ACA member. On display June 10 to July 21, with a reception on Sunday, June 9 from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • Jewelry and Objects: Michigan Silversmiths Guild 2024 Membership Exhibition. Founded in 1948, the Michigan Silversmiths Guild is a community of craftspersons dedicated to the fields of metalsmithing and jewelry. Juried by metalsmith and educator Suzanne Pugh, this exhibition showcases the exceptional works of guild members, and celebrates the reach of the guild in supporting jewelry and metalsmithing education locally, regionally and beyond. On display from July 29 to Aug. 29, with a reception on Sunday, Aug. 4 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Adrian Center for the Arts gallery is open from Thursday through Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. More information is at adriancenterforthearts.org.

“Facets” at Flatlanders

“Facets,” an exhibition of mixed mediums produced through the “different artistic personalities” of artist Jim Foos, is on display at Flatlanders Art Galleries through June 21.

Admission is free. Flatlanders is at 11993 East U.S. 223, Blissfield. Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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