UW Art Department Opens Gallery in Downtown Laramie

September 28, 2009 — The University of Wyoming Department of Art will present its inaugural exhibition at Gallery 211 in downtown Laramie during October and November. Located at 211 S. 1st Street, it will serve as a forum for contemporary art and culture.

The opening exhibition will run from Oct. 1-Nov. 15 and will feature recent works from Seattle-based sculptor John Grade and Ohio-based printmaker Ina Kaur. Kaur will give a gallery talk Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. and an opening reception will be held Friday, Oct. 16, from 7-9 p.m. All events are free and open to the public, and will take place at the gallery.

Grade's sculpture and performative works engage the landscape while they evolve, degrade and evidence their history over time. Grade has received many grants and awards including an Andy Warhol Foundation Award and a Tiffany Foundation Award.

Kaur's work investigates how identities are influenced by our cultural experiences. An instructor at Bowling Green State University, she has exhibited both nationally and internationally.

Both artists explore their surroundings through juxtapositions. Grade pairs manmade objects with natural forces, while Kaur's work assimilates past and present influences. For more information on the artists, visit their Web sites at www.johngrade.com and www.inakaur.com.

For questions regarding the new gallery, e-mail Diana Baumbach at dbaumbac@uwyo.edu. 

Photo: John Grade's piece "Collector" will be displayed during the inaugural exhibition at Gallery 211 at 211 S. 1st Street from Oct. 1-Nov. 15.

Posted on Monday, September 28, 2009