Visiting Artists: Lee Bauchsbaum & Daniel Overturf - Working in the Seams

Working In the Seams: An Initial Photographic View into the African-American Coal Culture of Southern Illinois, an exhibition comprised of original photographs and text that discusses the history of Black coal miners in Southern Illinois will be on exhibit in the Visual Arts Gallery April 11-May 9, 2008 with a public reception on Wednesday, April 16, from 6-8 p.m.

Working in several historic African-American coal mining neighborhoods, communities, and towns, the photographers have been attempting to meet with as many contributors to this mining culture as possible. Through these portraits the viewers are able to see into the lives of dozens of individuals across southern Illinois who either worked in the coal industry, or whose brothers, husbands, fathers, or uncles did. Most often, the subjects are part of a long lineage of miners.

"Through these portraits, viewers will be able to see the faces and glimpse into the lives of dozens of African-Americans across Southern Illinois who either worked in the coal industry, or whose brothers, husbands, fathers or uncles did. Their faces provide a graphic link across what has been a largely uncharted history."

The project was funded by a major grant from the Illinois Humanities Council and by the Coal Research Center at Southern Illinois University

9 Variations Graduate Exhibition

The Visual Arts Gallery at Governors State University will present 9 Variations, a group exhibit of artwork by GSU graduate students in art, from April 4 through April 18. An opening evening reception will be held on April 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

The exhibit includes a variety of mediums, including digital photography, painting, and sculpture that give viewers a glimpse into real and abstract worlds. Contributing artists include Alonso Balderas, Joe Baltz, Wes Gonzalez, Janice Pratt, Jody Reno, Tim Ryan, Jessica Van Swol, Ben Ward, and Patricia Watkins.

Jennifer Jackson - At the Seam

April 2-9, 2008. Public Reception: Friday, April 4, 6-8 p.m.

Utilizing a "toy" camera, alternative photographic processes, and porcelain sculpture, At the Seam investigates iconic funerary art in conjunction with the concepts of time, visual landscape, recognition, and transition. The series taps into the symbol-system embedded within Victorian funerary artifacts. The artifacts are modes of eternal recognition left behind to exemplify lifetime accomplishments, spiritual direction, or to provide solace for the remaining family.

Jennifer Jackson was born and raised in the Chicago area and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts, with distinction, in Art Education and Studio Arts from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003. In 2008, she completed her Masters in Photography at Governors State University, summa cum laude. She is an artist/educator who began her photographic endeavors at a very young age, photographing "the stuff of life" and travels with her family.