Visiting art lecturer exhibit to open

The 2015-2016 Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery art show season continues Thursday, March 31, with an exhibit featuring the works of UIU visiting lecturer of art Laura Colby. A reception will coincide with the opening of the exhibit from 3:30-5 p.m.

A Waverly native, Colby will present “light: assembled” during regular gallery hours through Friday, April 15. To create her exhibit, the artist took hundreds of photos while walking through various urban environments. She then used the photos as inspiration in creating her ongoing artwork.

“I predominantly look for reflections on revolving doors, store front windows, and metal architectural elements. I focus on interesting compositions of light, shape, and texture in the reflections. I use paint to exaggerate color, scale, and focus by laying multiple reference imagery in an attempt to capture brief moments of light that are in constant flux,” explained Colby. “Through this process, I am able to embrace and capture the energy and vibrancy of these illusionistic surfaces and reference space through abstract compositions.”

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art from University of Northern Iowa, Colby later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Northern Illinois University. She was then hired as a visiting assistant professor at Northern Illinois and taught 2-Dimensional Design Foundations. She served as an adjunct professor at Judson University in the spring of 2015, before accepting her current duties at Upper Iowa University.

“Being able to show at the Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery is a wonderful opportunity for me. I believe it is integral as a faculty member to not only teach, but continue practicing in your field,” said Colby. “As a visiting faculty member, my studio is housed in the Edgar Fine Arts Building on the UIU Campus. This provides me the opportunity to be constantly working and engaging with students at all hours of the day and night. Many students come in and give me feedback on my work or lend a hand holding down a silkscreen, just as I do with them during class. As an artist, I work best getting feedback and networking with those around me.

The 2015-2016 Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery artists’ schedule will conclude with a senior thesis exhibit April 21-May 7.

Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery is located in the Edgar Fine Arts Hall on the Upper Iowa University Fayette Campus. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.