UIU invites Beijing artist to Fayette
FAYETTE, Iowa (August 14, 2008) - Upper Iowa University has invited Beijing artist Danni Xi (pronounced She) to its Fayette campus for Fall Term I as exhibiting artist and visiting instructor.
A Chinese contemporary artist, Xi lives and works in Beijing and enjoys a growing reputation throughout China. She also had the rare opportunity in 2001 to be included in the "Fine Arts from China" exhibit at the National Egypt Museum in Cairo, Egypt.
Xi's inspiration is derived from observation and interaction with the 
people around her through extensive travel, philosophy, cultural changes, and a keen interest in history. Xi received her bachelor's degree at the Central Academy of Art in Beijing, where she is currently pursuing a master's in contemporary fine art.
Xi's work, recent paintings, collages and mixed media, will be on display in Upper Iowa's Lois Bing-Davis Art Gallery from Aug. 25 -Sept. 30. A reception with the artist is planned for Thurs., Aug. 28 at 3:30 p.m. All events are free and the public is invited to attend.
"I originally approached President Walker with the idea of hosting an international artist on campus, and he was very receptive to the idea," said John Siblik, assistant professor of art. "Danni Xi, whom I met in 2004 at a Vermont Studio Center Artists' Residency Program, immediately came to mind. When I proposed the concept of coming to the States to exhibit her work and possibly teaching a course at Upper Iowa, she accepted without reservation."
While on campus, Xi will also teach a special topics course on drawing from a global perspective and serve as guest lecturer. Siblik says the course, available to art majors and as a general education class, features an innovative curriculum that overcomes language or cultural barriers.
Xi's visit is in keeping with Upper Iowa University's recently released strategic plan, entitled "Pathway to Global Learning: A vision for UIU's future" and is a collaborative effort with UIU's International Program. "Upper Iowa's international exchange program is just one of the many ways that we continue to foster an environment that prepares students to be global citizens," said Dr. DeWayne Fraizer, senior vice president for International Programs. "We also have a faculty exchange program, which shows Upper Iowa is an institution committed to globalization and providing the highest level of educational opportunities to both its faculty and students."
For more information about Upper Iowa University go to www.uiu.edu.
For more information about Xi's exhibit, contact Siblik at 563-425-5241 or siblikj@uiu.edu. Gallery Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
To download Upper Iowa's strategic plan, go to http://www.uiu.edu/strategic-planning/.
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