UIU to christen new art gallery
Artist Dennis Dake to exhibit Aug. 27 to Oct. 5
FAYETTE, Iowa (August 24, 2007)—Upper Iowa University (UIU) will hold its first art exhibit in the new Lois Bing-Davis Gallery in the recently-rennovated Edgar Fine Arts Building on the Fayette campus. Dennis Dake’s exhibit entitled, “Visual thoughts: from here and back again…” is on view from Aug. 27 through Oct. 5. In addition, a reception is planned for Fri., Aug. 31 at 3:30 p.m. and gallery talk with the artist scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Gallery hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The exhibit is open and free to the public.
Dake is an Upper Iowa University alumnus and currently professor of art and design at Iowa State University, where he has taught for the past 36 years. His exhibit consists of acrylic on canvas, as well as sculpture. The paintings are on both regular and irregularly-shaped canvas, and incorporate an added airbrush technique that creates an intense sense of depth.
According to UIU Art Professor John Siblik, Dake’s work is a culmination of ideas that come from 30 years of research in regard to how the brain relates to creativity. Siblik said, “I see many forms related to the interconnected firing pulses that one might invision in the brain, and at the same time see allusions to forms in nature--flowers, plants, wood grain, and rocks. ” Dake explained his work is not only related to neurobiology, brain function, and creativity, but is also strongly influenced by his experiences as a teacher. He said, “I have found when I stress to students how important the process and path towards authentic idea generation is that I have been the benificiary of these same practices in my own artistic endeavors.”
Dake will be the first artist to exhibit in Upper Iowa’s new gallery, which is named after long-time university supporter and benefactor, the late Lois (Bing-Davis) Johnson. Bing grew up in Maynard, graduated with a teaching degree from Coe College in Cedar Rapids and married Paul Davis. They resided in Fayette for many years, where he owned and operated Davis Drug. Lois taught school in both Maynard and nearby Oelwein. After Paul’s death, Lois eventually remarried and moved to Arizona, where she retired.
“UIU has a long, rich history in the arts, and the generosity of benefactors like Lois Bing-Davis Johnson helps the university rededicate itself to providing students with a well-rounded education,” said UIU President Dr. Alan Walker. “It is only fitting that with the recent rennovation of our Edgar Fine Arts Building we pay tribute to those who have been so supportive of the arts and of Upper Iowa University.”
For information about Upper Iowa University’s art program and other majors, please go to www.uiu.edu. For information about this or future gallery exhibits, please contact John Siblik at 563-425-5241, siblikj@uiu.edu, or go to www.uiu.edu/~art.