ABERDEEN, S.D. –Northern State University Galleries presents the newest art exhibition of NSU Professor of Art and Department Chair, Sara Christensen Blair.
Christensen Blair’s new gallery “LEFTOVERS – PIECING IT TOGETHER” is a moniker and demonstration of the artist’s love of craft and craft processes such as quilting, as well as creating a home— both figuratively and literally—for her significant collection of leftover paintings. “LEFTOVERS” will also include Christensen Blair’s digital paintings, in a series titled “I can’t decide,” as well as her time lapse video “Method & Madness.”
“Quilters use remnants of fabric from other projects in order to create a useful, yet beautiful utilitarian object,” said Christensen Blair. “While I am not much of a quilter, too many straight lines and ironing, I admire the history and process of quilting as it lends itself to warmth, community and repurposing of fabric.”
As a homage to both the histories of quilting and painting, the installation of paintings titled “Therapy Painting” is arranged by Christensen Blair as both an abstracted quilt-like form, as well as the salon-style method of hanging artwork regularly.
In addition to the installation style, Christensen Blair omitted matting and framing the media in order to give the work an aesthetic that “lends itself to an organic arrangement of the multiple works as well as revealing the unfinished edges.” In other words – letting it all out and letting everyone into the process.
Christensen Blair teaches design, graphic design and mixed media in Northern’s Art Department, and has received multiple exhibition and presentation awards including the Dakota Creative Connection Grant through the Bush Foundation and an invitation to be one of 24 international scholars at the World Ornamental Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in February 2014. She has had several solo and two-person exhibitions at locations throughout the country, including the University of Minnesota, University of Miami and the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, N.D.
Christensen Blair’s exhibition will be open from Oct. 9 to Nov. 30 in the JFAC art gallery. A reception for the artist and “LEFTOVERS” is planned for Nov. 3 from 6:30-8pm. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Those interested in purchasing pieces from the exhibition can find prices listed in the gallery.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.