Eastern Michigan University’s Ford Gallery, located in Ford Hall, will be displaying art Nov. 12-16 of “Memory and Surface,” which is a Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts show featuring work by Chris Sneed and Joe Wambaugh from their graduate thesis. Their display, “Paper vs Clay: The Art of High Five,” will have an opening reception Nov. 15 from 6–8 p.m.
According to the EMU art department website, “Chris Sneed is interested in how pots can be used every day to bring art into one’s life. Through their use as tableware to enhance the dining experience, he believes that pots can be used to feed the soul as well as the body.”
The gallery is free and open to the public, and students can receive Learning Beyond the Classroom credit for attending. The Ford Gallery “hosts emerging artist and student shows with about 1,000 square feet of exhibition space,” said gallery Director Gregory Tom. “Its primary mission is to serve the needs of the students of the art department with innovative, contemporary shows that are relevant to their coursework and degrees.”
“The material that goes on display for each show varies,” Tom said. “For Chris’ show, he is an MFA candidate, so he is guaranteed a show as part of the requirements to fulfill his degree. The contents of the exhibition are entirely selected by him and his show also includes the work of Joe Wambaugh, who is also an MFA candidate.”
Chris Sneed has been responsible for putting together the message of his show since it is a degree show.
“In this particular case, the gallery simply serves as a venue for Chris’ interests,” Tom said. “Based on past work Chris has done, his interest is most often expressed as how pots can be used every day to bring art into one’s life. The show will likely feature a selection of wheel thrown vases and tableware designed to enhance the dining experience.”
In addition to all of the artwork at the Ford Gallery, there is also the University Gallery located in the Student Center. The University Gallery hosts regional, national and international shows. Both of these galleries are open on Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students can also find information at art.emich.edu.
“Students should come out to the galleries because the galleries offer them a fantastic forum for the viewing of art that is relevant to the world around them,” Tom said. “Through the display of contemporary art in a variety of forms and media, they can better understand the world around them and hear, through objects, a variety of perspectives presented by artists both emerging and established.”
