Senior art thesis,"Individuation: criterion of identity"
FAYETTE, IOWA (March 09, 2009) -Upper Iowa University senior Dani Dreeszen will exhibit her art thesis, "Individuation: criterion of identity," Mar. 16-April 1 in the Bing-Davis Gallery located in the Edgar Fine Arts Building on the Fayette campus. An artist's reception is planned for Friday, March 20, from 3:30 to 5:00.
Dreeszen, from Spirit Lake, is majoring in graphic design with a minor in marketing at UIU. She says her artistic talent was noticed at a very young age when she would draw her mom's knickknacks. "I was raised on a dairy farm so my mom had a lot of cow figurines sitting around that I was always sketching as a little girl," said Dreeszen.
Her interest in art continued through high school but says her skill really started to evolve at Upper Iowa. "I not only refined my art, but learned not to draw so literal or feel the need to always stick to realism," said Dreeszen. "As a result, I now put more meaning behind my work." This is the significance behind her thesis title too, "Individuation: criterion of identity," or developing her artistic talent.
Dreeszen's thesis is mixed media--charcoal and collage. Her work is a compilation of her college experience over the last four years, even incorporating some of her original college notes into a collage. Dreeszen says her art is also influenced by different cultures, which she credits to attending UIU. "Upper Iowa has exposed me to a lot of diversity that I didn't have back home in Spirit Lake," she said.
Dreeszen says she intends to always make art a part of her life, but sees the next couple of years after graduation as pretty busy. "I don't know where I will end up, but I would like to use my degrees in the tourism field and then eventually go to grad school," she said. While at Upper Iowa, Dreeszen received the Vanguard scholarship all four years, a four-year Coca-Cola First Generation scholarship, and the President's Challenge scholarship. She is also active in Art Club, Phi Beta Lambda, Student Activities Board (SAB), and has been a work study for the Office of Student Development all four years of college.
"I have enjoyed both working with Dani and challenging her," said John Siblik, assistant professor of art. "During a trip to Des Moines, I recall Dani being interested in post modern art. So much so that on the way back (to Fayette), we missed a turn as a result of some intense conversations." Siblik added, "Dani Dreeszen's show has a conceptual component that should create some thoughtful engagement with the viewer."
Gallery hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions regarding same, contact Siblik at 563-425-5241 or e-mail siblikj@uiu.edu. The public is invited to attend.
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