November 21, 2023
ARKADELPHIA, Ark.—The Rosemary Gossett Adams Department of Art & Design at Ouachita Baptist University will host “Matter + Spirit: A Chinese/American Exhibition” through Wednesday, Dec. 13, in Adams Galleries 1 & 2 of Moses-Provine Hall and Hammons Gallery in Mabee Fine Arts Center. Admission is free.
Curated by Dr. Rachel Hostetter Smith, professor of art history at Taylor University, the exhibit features media including textiles, painting, interactive design, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, video and photography.
"As a double major in studio art and history, I’m excited about ‘Matter + Spirit’ because it explores humanity’s spirituality within materialistic societies, specifically in the U.S. and China,” said Katye Leggett, a senior from Camden, Ark. “Through sculpture, painting and other mediums, the artists invite the viewer into conversations about national religion, imperialism and global engagement throughout Chinese history.”
“Matter + Spirit” is cosponsored by The Lily Fellows Program for Humanities and the Arts, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and Taylor University. Ouachita’s Birkett Williams Lecture Series helped bring it to campus.
“It’s great to connect through this exhibit with many of our sister institutions that are part of the CCCU, especially the Nagel Institute at Calvin University where it debuted in 2020,” said Donnie Copeland, professor and chair of the Adams Department of Art & Design. “‘Matter + Spirit’ came to Ouachita from the Duke University campus. It’s been hosted at other Christian universities including Samford, Belmont and Messiah College. It’s an honor to be hosting it.”
Jubilee Christenson, a sophomore art major from Iron River, Mich., said, “I’m excited to have this installment in our galleries. All these unique pieces have rich stories along with their visual appeal. I’m especially inspired by the workmanship the paintings show. Ziyun Tong’s ‘Questioning’ is very interesting to me; the brush work and attention to detail are incredible.”
Regular gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Fridays. For more information and special appointments, contact Carey Roberson, associate professor of art & design, at [email protected] or (870) 245-4655.