It’s the perfect place to squeeze in a catnap, review notes before class or scarf down a sandwich.
But from Sept. 20 to Oct. 11, the Adell McMillan Gallery, adjacent to the EMU Ballroom, is featuring more than just a quiet and comfortable atmosphere. The gallery’s latest exhibit, which opened with a reception Sept. 20, will display the work of three local sculptors.
“There are three different people from three different backgrounds,” said Mary Rasmussen, visual arts coordinator with the University’s Cultural Forum.
The Cultural Forum, ASUO Multicultural Center and Black Student Union came together to host the event. Rasmussen said the intent of the show is to do more than just provide an opportunity to appreciate artwork — it represents minority artists who don’t necessarily receive the recognition they deserve in the art field.
“Three Sculptors: Diversity in an Indifferent Art World” features Chinese American Harold Hoy, Mexican American Richard Chavez and African American Jerry Harris.
“Minority artists have been relatively ignored in the art world,” said Harris, who initiated the idea of bringing the exhibit together with the help of Steve Morozumi, program advisor for the MCC.
Annelia Norris, co-director of the Native American Student Union, came to the gallery’s reception Thursday night.
Norris, a senior and an artist herself, said the gallery offers viewers an outlet to share those feelings. She added that she hopes the multicultural art exhibit will possibly expand in the future to a bigger venue.
Norris said she favored one of the pieces by Harris titled “Chehaw Homage to the Muskogee Indians Georgia/Alabama.”
The carved wooden structure is named after the massacre of the War of 1812, which Norris said she could relate to because she has studied native issues and massacres as a fine arts major.
“It touches home for me — just the subject matter,” she said.
Morozumi said the abstract sculptures by Harris are often connected to social issues. Morozumi also said while each sculptor is different, the variety of the exhibit makes it impressive.
Even though the location of the gallery doesn’t receive heavy traffic, Morozumi said it’s a fitting location for students and faculty to view the pieces.
“It’s hidden upstairs,” Rasmussen said. “But I kind of like that people have to find it.”
One of the more striking sculptures by Chavez is made of black granite; it was created through what he described as a long process of hammering and polishing.
Chavez said he was inspired to create the piece in 1967 as he was driving in Morocco toward the Spanish-territory port town of Sebta.
“It was totally black — not the American nighttime,” he said. “I could barely see the road, and I had my lights on. I heard people outside singing.”
Upon arriving at one of the native villages, Chavez was informed that it was the king’s birthday, and he was invited into a tent where a celebration was taking place.
The thick carpet that covered the ground inside the tent, a white Arabian horse and the belly dancers gave him a taste of the culture that would inspire him to create the sculpture “Bedouin Dancer.”
Hoy, who retired last year as the head of sculpture at Lane Community College, said his style differs from the other artists featured in the gallery because his sculptures are based on Erector set toys and renditions of the work of other artists.
A large metal rabbit holding a carrot was a crowd-pleaser at the opening reception, even for those who were not serious art enthusiasts.
Hoy said the piece, titled “Erector Jeff Koons,” is based on a stainless steel sculpture by New York artist Jeff Koons.
Harris said the artists will be speaking about their work Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the gallery.