‘Sources of Inspiration’ exhibit springs up at Concourse Gallery

By The Entertainer

Corvallis — Artists Kay Campbell, Claudia Cave, Yuji Hiratsuka, Chang-Ae Song and Anthony Weir were invited to participate in an art exchange exhibit between Oregon State University and Kaye Academic College in Beer-Sheva, Israel. Five works from each artist traveled and were exhibited in Israel this past January and February of 2006. These works along with additional works by some of the artists will be on display as “Sources of Inspiration: Celebrating Diverse Views” at the Memorial Union Concourse Gallery through June 22.

The artists include educators, lecturers and professional staff all affiliated with OSU. In their artists’ statements, they often express how their background and experiences have influenced their art. Stylistically, their work exhibits a wide variety of techniques and mediums.

This exhibit was conceived by Dr. Rachel Kroupp, art educator, professor and Gallery Curator at Kaye College in Beer-Sheva, Israel. Kent Sumner, Memorial Union Marketing and Assessment Director and former Gallery Director at OSU, was instrumental in taking Rachel’s vision and making it a reality. The two had previously collaborated on two other exhibits, “Artists from Israel Observe the Negrev,” and “What I Like To Do In My Spare Time: The Leisure Time Activity Preferences of Children in The United States and Israel”. Both believe in the power of art to transcend cultural differences and build bridges between communities.

“Art can be the gateway to understanding. In our diverse culture, it is more important than ever that we see clearly, hear acutely and feel sensitively traits that are no longer just desirable, but essential if we are to work together,” Sumner says.

“We consider the cultural connection and friendships that exist between the two nations very important and hope that this exhibit will act as another foundation in the friendship between us. The acknowledgement, understanding and acceptance of others are human values that must be consciously nurtured,” Kroupp adds.

Catalogs are available featuring all participating artists from Israel and the USA. For additional information, contact Gallery Exhibits Coordinator Susan Bourque at 541-737-6371.