Those who can do, teach

UMKC employs some vibrant and talented artists at the School of Fine Arts. Currently, the Department of Art and Art History is holding an exhibition to showcase the faculty.

The small gallery, housed within the Fine Arts building, usually contains the work of one artist at a time or works focused on a single theme.

Now the space holds a hodgepodge of works that communicate a variety of themes and purposes using different mediums. The contents of the room are a testament to the distinct styles and personalities of each faculty exhibitor.

The six faculty whose works are on display are Ricky Allman, Barry Anderson, Elijah Gowin, Craig A. Subler, Kati Toivanen and Paul Tosh.

The show provides an opportunity to view the faculty not only as teachers but also as artists and individuals.

Gowin, assistant professor of photography, said the show is supposed let people know the professors are at UMKC.

The showcase has benefits "for the students and the community," Gowin said. Ultimately it is about education.

Gowin described how this show directly reflected the benefits of the research aspect of the UMKC campus.

"It is part of our job to develop our own art," he said.

He said it is important for the faculty to be able to grow as individual artists through shows in other cities and residences. He also said through building their own networks they can better mentor their students.

Anderson, assistant professor of electronic media, described the show as "a very direct dialogue with students" and as a good opportunity to teach what he does.

This particular show "is kind of unique because it will be shown in Columbia," Anderson said. The show can also open "a dialogue with Columbia."

Paul Tosh, assistant professor of graphic design, described the educational aspects of the show and highlighted the joy he finds through teaching and his personal work.

"I love teaching, this is what I teach, this is what I do," Tosh said. The show is "a great representation of the talent on the campus."

Each professor has a distinct style. Because of the variety of these distinct styles, the faculty show is appealing because of its sheer diversity.

Thursday, Oct. 11, there is a lecture at 5 p.m. by Craig A. Subler and an open house from 6-8 p.m.

The faculty exhibition is on display until Nov. 3.

laurakatzer@kc.rr.com