Brauer Museum of Art at Valpo Announces 2015–2016 Season

Opening Reception is Aug. 28

Valparaiso University’s Brauer Museum of Art continues to grow its permanent collection with major acquisitions from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. These, along with prints, sculptures, paintings and other works from artists from around the world comprise an exciting 2015–2016 season, which kicks off with an opening reception Aug. 28.

The fall exhibitions run Aug. 18 through Dec. 13 and feature exquisite artwork in a variety of media, including exhibitions by alumni artists. “The Sun Shines for Us All: The Friendship Dolls from Japan” in the Wehling and McGill Galleries, curated by Terry Kita, Ph.D., presents the incredible story of the Friendship Dolls from Japan of the early 1920s. Featuring original scholarship and a full-color publication, the exhibition includes the Brauer Museum’s doll, Miss Chosen, along with four additional dolls.

Glenn ’75, ’77 J.D. and Dawn ’79 Vician have collected fine etchings by Rembrandt that depict the life of Jesus. These works, which effectively demonstrate Rembrandt’s masterful technique and insights, will be on display in the Education Room.

In the Ferguson Galleries, “A Journey in Contemporary Sculpture, with the Work of Jim Keller” presents abstract creations that highlight the virtuoso technique and inventive sense of form of sculptor Jim Keller ’66.

The final fall exhibition, “Fondo ga Moru: The Art of Gretchen Beck,” highlights the work of Gretchen Beck ’92 in Gallery 1212. The contemporary artist draws upon her experience in West Africa as an educator and creator of abstract works in a variety of media. Her pieces reflect inspiration from the landscape and other indigenous creations and traditions.

The Brauer Museum will open its winter exhibitions Jan. 8, with “Celebrating Life: Betty LaDuke Retrospective Exhibition,” curated by Gloria Ruff, in the Wehling and McGill Galleries and Education Room; “Carlos Lopez: A Forgotten Michigan Painter,” curated by George Vargas, Ph.D., in the West Gallery; “Michael Miller: An Appreciation” in the Ferguson Gallery; and “So Small Between the Stars, So Large Against the Sky — Five Studies for a Monument: New Works by Neil Goodman” in Gallery 1212.

In April, the Brauer Museum will display original artwork by Valpo students in the Wehling and McGill Galleries and by Valpo faculty in the West Gallery. Additionally, George Pati, Ph.D., associate professor of theology and Surjit S. Patheja, M.D. Chair in World Religions and Ethics, will curate “Sacred Spaces and Objects” in the Education Room. Also in Gallery 1212, the Brauer Museum will present paintings by the Indian artist Kartik Trivedi.

The summer exhibitions, on display May 17 through Aug. 7, include new acquisitions in the Wehling and McGill Galleries, “Images of the Dunes from the Brauer Museum’s Permanent Collection” in Gallery 1212, and “An Artist’s Journey: Works by the Area Artists Association of Michigan City” in the West Gallery.

Throughout the season, the Brauer Museum will host coffee hours and gallery talks with artists, curators and art collectors. In the spring, the film/lecture series “Thursday Night Noir” returns to offer film screenings and discussions that will explore the classic film genre.

Visit valpo.edu/brauer-museum-of-art for more information about the season and upcoming events.