Perhaps, it was the closest I’ve come to foraging. I don’t make it to the USF campus as often as I’d like. I was lost looking for the USF Centre Gallery, ready to give up, and about to set up camp for the night at the bus stop in front of the Sun Dome. However, USF is once again impelling me to make the trip and I intend to brave it. This time we’re heading to the USF Contemporary Art Museum.
USF CAM – Sand in the Vacuum – MFA 2012 Graduation Exhibition Fri 3/30 7pm-9pm
This Friday USF CAM and the USF School of Art and Art History will be introducing the 2012 graduating MFA artists through a group exhibit. I see that reluctant look on your face (that’s right, I can see you through your webcam). You’re worried this could be a show of almost-artists. You can be at ease, though – this isn’t like your elementary school graduation exhibit. Rather, these MFA graduates are (or should be) artists in their own right and some already have rather impressive and long CV’s. For example one of the exhibitors, Biff Bolen, brings some of the most exciting painting locally with past work being featured in New American Painting‘s MFA issue. Also, look out for work from Cynthia Mason and Serhat Tanyolaçar among others.
You can expect the exhibition to be an interesting and engaging one. Other than churning out degrees and massive student loan debt, MFA programs also allow artists to experiment without being hampered by saleability concerns. The MFA 2012 Graduation Exhibition will likely include style and mediums we encounter less often, particularly from area artists. I strongly suggest attending, enjoying the work, and attempting to convince the artists to stick around the Bay area and help out with the cause.
Also…
RINGLING COLLEGE AUDITORIUM – “SPEAKING OF MY WORK” TALK BY SANFORD BIGGERS FRI 3/30 3:30PM FREE ADMISSION
The artist Sanford Biggers will be giving a free and public talk this Friday afternoon. Biggers creates beautiful, politically and culturally aware installations. Biggers’ talk coincides with a new installation opening the same day at the Ringling Museum and being the 2010 recipient of the Greenfield Prize at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. I know it’s a bit of a drive for many of you, but the installation/talk combo should make the ride worth it. You know you’re going to stop by the Ellenton Outlet Mall on the way anyway.
ART AT BAY 