Grand Junction – The Colorado Mesa University Department of Art and Design recently announced Exposure — the first of four art exhibitions in 2019 that will showcase CMU students’ work. Open to the community, 437CO, the CMU downtown art gallery, will feature the exhibition beginning February 1.
The exhibition includes approximately 30 works by 20 students. Photographs were selected by Forrest Zerbe, CMU lecturer of photography, from a pool of nearly 100 art submissions. The show will present an eclectic and diverse mix of pieces chosen for strong photographic and compositional attributes.
“Sometimes we underestimate how much universities and university students can enrich the art culture of a community,” said Zerbe. “The partnership CMU has with the downtown community, when combined with the talent of students and faculty, provides a wonderful opportunity for Grand Junction residents to see the work of budding artists.”
CMU faculty believe the downtown exhibitions can also promote enrollment in CMU’s Department of Art and Design. Professor of Art History, Meghan Bissonnette, PhD, said that “Having student art on display in a place that serves as a cultural nucleus in the community helps grow awareness of our programs. We are able to communicate with future students through the artwork of our current students, all-the-while growing the local art community.”
The CMU downtown art gallery is located at 437 Colorado Avenue in Grand Junction, Colorado. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 12-5pm and admission is free. There is a public reception planned for Friday, February 1 from 5-8pm. Refreshments from Carlson Vineyards and Palisade Brewing Company are available for purchase at the reception.
“I continue to be amazed at the creativity of our art students and am proud of their contributions to make our downtown art scene more vibrant," said President Tim Foster, who plans to visit the exhibition once it is open. “Our gallery’s partnership with the Downtown Development Authority is a special relationship for CMU and the downtown community.”
For more information, call the CMU Department of Art and Design at 970.248.1833 or visit coloradomesa.edu/art/gallery.