Brauer Museum of Art at Valpo Announces 2014-2015 Season

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 2014-2015 season, which kicks off with an opening reception Sept 5.

The fall exhibitions run through Dec. 14, with selections from the permanent collection on display in the Sloan Gallery. In the Wehling and McGill Galleries, “Orange Meditations: Recent Sculpture by Herbert George” features technically exquisite and formally inventive stone sculptures that reflect the artist’s ongoing interest in themes of justice and humanity.

Andrew Nunemaker ’91, an influential entrepreneur and philanthropist who serves on Valpo’s Board of Directors, has assembled a remarkable collection that demonstrates his interest in both the diverse approaches of the contemporary scene and the Modern masters. The West Gallery features selections from this impressive collection.

In the Ferguson Gallery, “From 2/11 to Today: Recent Work by Ted Halkin” showcases new paintings and works on paper by legendary Chicago artist Ted Halkin that explore gesture and surface.

The final fall exhibition, “Uniforms, Outfits, and Accessories: Photographs by Joel DeGrand,” highlights the Northwest Indiana photographer’s insights and masterful handling of his medium in the Education Room and Gallery 1212.

In October, “Borders: An Installation by Steinunn Thorarinsdottir” comes to Valpo. Currently on display in Chicago, this exhibition features a dramatic sculpture grouping of 22 life-sized figures in steel and aluminum by the acclaimed Icelandic artist Steinunn Thorarinsdottir. In this installation, the artist explores the dichotomy of human existence and reflects both division and unity.

The Brauer Museum will open its winter exhibitions Jan. 9, with “Inner Visions: Sacred Plants, Art, and Spirituality,” curated by Luis Eduardo Luna in the Wehling and McGill Galleries and “Ernő Koch: Everything is Possible (only how to do?)” in the Education Room and Gallery 1212.

In April, the Brauer Museum will display original artwork by Valpo students in the Wehling and McGill Galleries. Additionally, Valpo students will curate an exhibition of Greek and Roman tablets from the permanent collection in the Education Room, and the Ferguson Gallery will house Andy Warhol screen prints, also from the Brauer Museum’s permanent collection.

During the spring and summer, Gallery 1212 will feature “The Preposthumous Works of Harry Brown.” The summer exhibitions, on display May 15 through Aug. 9, include selections from the permanent collection in the Wehling and McGill Galleries, new acquisitions in the West Gallery, and “Herman Gurfinkel: Hidden Northwest Indiana Legend” in the Ferguson Gallery.

Throughout the season, the Brauer Museum will host coffee hours and gallery talks with artists, curators and art collectors. In the spring, a new film/lecture series — Thursday Night Noir — offers film screenings and discussions that will explore the classic film genre.

Visit valpo.edu/artmuseum for more information about the season and upcoming events.