UIU student’s art depicts movement of new generation
Senior art show to exhibit in Bing-Davis Gallery at Upper Iowa
FAYETTE, Iowa (April 4, 2008) – Upper Iowa University (UIU) senior Joey Sawyer is busy putting the finishing touches on his senior art show, “Movement of a New Generation.” Although Sawyer will graduate with a degree in graphic design and a minor in psychology, his passion for art is such that he has already applied for graduate school in studio art. 
“I’ve been interested in art since elementary school,” explains Sawyer, “although, it wasn’t until I came to Upper Iowa that I really had any formal lessons.” Sawyer originates from Miami, Fla. but relates many of the changes in his life to his college experience. He explains, “I grew up in the inner city of Miami so coming to Upper Iowa has taught me many things—better language, writing, and an appreciation for this setting that has allowed me to focus on my education.”
In talking about growing up in Miami, Sawyer noted his art show is based on a recent incident that happened at his old high school. He read about a riot that occurred at Miami Edison High School. “There was always too much violence around it,” said Sawyer. “If you walked down the wrong street after school, there was a chance you might get jumped.”
The story reported on an event that started out as an organized peaceful student protest in objection to an assistant principal’s use of excessive force, but escalated into a full-blown fight between students and police.
“It was the expressions on the students’ faces that drew me in,” said Sawyer. He downloaded photos of students taken during the incident, which depict a wide range of emotions—anger, determination, sadness and bewilderment. Sawyer has sketched lifelike images of these students in charcoal, capturing the emotions on their faces and in their body language.
Sawyer’s exhibit will be on display in Upper Iowa University’s newly-renovated Edgar Fine Arts Building on the Fayette campus, in the Bing-Davis Gallery, April 7 through the 15. An artist’s reception is planned for Tuesday, April 15, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
For more information about Upper Iowa University degree programs, visit www.uiu.edu.
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu