Past Exhibitions 2014

"Leaves, Roots, Bark, and Fruit: Ethnobotany and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians" 

University of South Alabama Marx Library
Third Floor Gallery
October 1 - December 11, 2014

The University of South Alabama Marx Library is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit: Leaves, Roots, Bark, and Fruit: Ethnobotany and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. It is on display on the third floor of the Library from October 1 – December 11, 2014. This unique exhibit highlights the relationship between plants and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. When the ancestors of the Poarch Creeks migrated from the Montgomery/Wetumpka area into southwest Alabama in the late 1790s, they brought with them many generations of traditional plant utilization, some of which remains in use today. This exhibit is an extension of the ongoing ethnobotantical research (study of the relationship between plants and a particular culture) conducted by Poarch Creek Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) Robert G. Thrower.

Dr. Philip Carr, Professor of Anthropology and Chief Calvin McGhee Endowed Professor of Native American Studies at USA, and THPO Robert Thrower conceived this exhibit as a multidisciplinary introduction to the traditional roles that plants have played among the Poarch Creeks and their ancestors. The display features some of the plants of traditional use for utility, culinary, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes. Also showcased are portraits and biographies of tribal members, past and present, who maintained and passed on their extensive knowledge of traditional Creek plant usage. A variety of traditional utilitarian and art pieces utilizing ethnobotantical resources are featured throughout the exhibition.

It is the hope of the Poarch Creeks Honorable Tribal Chair Stephanie Bryan, the Poarch Creek Tribal Council, Dr. Philip Carr, and THPO Robert Thrower that this exhibit will spark a renewed interest in the research and continuation of this valuable traditional knowledge. Through the newly formed Native American Studies Program at USA, and in partnership with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, this exhibit is one example of the educational opportunities that will be offered in the future. 

"The Cathedral Square Gallery West Exhibition"

University of South Alabama Marx Library
Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art
September 5 – October 31, 2014

The Cathedral Square Gallery West Exhibition is on display in the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art on the third floor of the USA Marx Library from September 5 – October 31, 2014. The exhibition is a sampling of artwork created by members of the Cathedral Square Gallery. The display features a variety of styles including multi media, watercolor, oil, and acrylic. Artists participating in the show include Judy Aronson, Joanne Brandt, Mike Carmichael, Holly Carrigan, Hunter Cobb, Tutta Greer Cone, Roxann Dyess, Eddie Erdmann, Rick Hurst, Lori Jacobus-Crawford, Satomi Kamei, Lynn Luna, Kathleen McCarron, Lynda McDonald, Nettie Robertson, Mary Rodning, Linda Hall Tenhundfeld, Michael Thomas, and Roy J. Walters.

Next year, the Cathedral Square Gallery will celebrate its twentieth year of supporting emerging and established artists in the arts community. The Gallery is located in the heart of the downtown Mobile art district and features a complete array of artistic styles and media, plus ceramics, jewelry, photography, and woodwork. It houses the largest selection of local and regional art on the Gulf Coast.

"2014 Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama"

University of South Alabama Marx Library
First Floor Gallery
July 18 - September 26, 2014

The 2014 Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama is currently on display in the first floor gallery of the University of South Alabama Marx Library. The show will be on exhibit from July 18 - September 26, 2014. It is free and open to the public during regular Library hours.

The Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama is an annual show for Alabama students who are visually impaired, blind, or deaf/blind. It was established in 1983 as a cooperative project between agencies serving children with visual impairments. The art show is open to students of all ages in Alabama public, private, residential, and home schools. The philosophy of the exhibit is that all participating students are considered winners and teachers are encouraged to incorporate visual arts into the individual educational plan of each student. The show provides students an opportunity to showcase their special talents and abilities. The artwork is unique with emphasis on creativity, color, and tactile media.

Every year, the art show travels throughout the state of Alabama and is displayed in museums, art galleries, and agencies. The grand prize winner's art remains in a permanent collection at Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, Alabama, which is Helen Keller's birthplace.

Support for the annual Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama is provided through the sale of the art and through sponsors, including UAB Vision Science Research Center - Education and Outreach Module, UAB School of Optometry, UAB Program for Visual Impairments, UAB School of Education, EyeSight Foundation of Alabama, Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital, the Patty Johnson Award, the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, the Nelson Family Award, and the Boyd Rogan Family Award.

"The Susan N. McCollough Art Exhibit: 2014"

University of South Alabama Marx Library
Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art
July 1 - August 31, 2014

Susan N. McCollough Paintings by local artist, Susan Nomberg McCollough, will be on display on the third floor of the University of South Alabama Marx Library in the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art from July 1 – August 31, 2014.

Susan Nomberg McCollough received her bachelor of science degree in speech and art from the University of Alabama and has continued to study with many accomplished artists and teachers, including Professors Al Sella and Frank Engle of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Max Hellman at The Birmingham Museum of Art; and Barbara Moon at The Little House on Linden in Birmingham. She has also studied at the Delgado Museum of New Orleans (now the New Orleans Museum of Art) and in such places as Pensacola, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; and at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Susan's paintings are displayed in libraries, banks, hospitals, senior care facilities, interior design showrooms, corporate offices, and private collections. She has produced more than 500 paintings, many of which were commissioned, and she has exhibited in more than 10 solo exhibitions in Alabama and Florida. McCollough paints primarily on large canvases, sometimes working on as many as three or four paintings at a time. Her works are Abstract Expressionist in style with freedom of movement, and vibrant, or sometimes, monochromatic colors. She paints in acrylics and oils as well as works in mixed media with charcoal, pastels, or watercolors.

McCollough was previously a partner/owner of Studio Three in Florida and currently works at her private studio, The Susan N. McCollough Gallery, which is located at 350 Cypress Bend Boulevard in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The 3,500 square Gallery exhibits an array of acrylic paintings, drawings, charcoal and ink drawings, mixed media, and oils.

"The Challenge"

Azalea City Quilters' Guild

Mobile — An exhibit by the Azalea City Quilters' Guild is being showcased at the University of South Alabama Marx Library from May 1 – June 30, 2014. The quilts are on display in the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art on the third floor of the Marx Library.

This exhibit entitled, "The Challenge," features all levels of quilting skills from beginner to advanced. The Guild encourages its members to extend their skills and move out of their comfort zones with a yearly challenge. In this challenge, participating members select the instructions randomly and must follow through with specific colors, sizes, and theme.

A variety of quilting techniques from hand quilting to intricate machine quilting are represented in the display: some quilts are pieced together one fabric at a time, others are appliquéd using fabric applied on top of another fabric and attached by hand or machine, and still others are painted and embellished with thread and yarns. This display reflects the Guild's strong emphasis on educating and teaching an old art in a modern way using technology and improved machines and tools.

Members participating in the exhibit are Janice Andrews, Betty Todd, Carol Balch, Susan Mogan, Joan Dodici, Sharron Potts, Nancy Goodman, Bonnie Johnson, Susan Garrett, Nancy Lancaster, Yvonne Taylor, Annette Oliver, Charlotte Mott, Shawn Sumrall, Wilma Toney, Nina Clotfelter, Janet Henry, Judy Phillips, Janie Lloyd, Mary Warfield, Barbara Bayer, Tia Bourke, Linda Evans, and Elaine Williams.

The Azalea City Quilters' Guild (ACQG) is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1980. Its purpose is to promote the appreciation of quilting, while members develop their skills and learn new techniques. Members share an interest in the art of quilting and have joined together to educate the public about this beautiful American art form. The Guild members exemplify a vast array of talents and skill levels. Several ACQG members have been published in various quilt-related publications and have taught around the Southeast. Members have also entered their work in area, national, and international shows.

"Books and Clay: Handmade Objects with History"

Mobile — One of man's greatest achievements in communication has been the book. A display of handmade books at the University of South Alabama Marx Library shows viewers handmade versions that look nothing like today's textbooks and paperbacks. The handmade books are based on a historical precedent for their structural composition but were created with materials available today. Papyrus, paint, cloth, clay, paper, electronic media, colored pencil, and inks are a few of the media used to create the one-of-a-kind books featured in the exhibit.

The unique handmade objects on display were created by Mary Ann Sampson, an art instructor at Jacksonville State University (JSU), and several JSU students and faculty members. Exhibitors include Sampson, Jeremy Bagwell, Brittney Beard, Chang Chen, Alan Curtis, Karen Peterson Henricks, Laverne Lombardi, Allison McElroy, Jennifer Moore, Michael Moore, Cynthia Stahl Porter, Susan Robertson, Anita H. Stewart, and Tonya Wilson.

The art will be exhibited in the display cases located on the third floor of the USA Marx Library in the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art. This book arts exhibit is free to the public and will be on display through Friday, May 30, 2014.

"Magnificent Abstractions"

Mobile — "Magnificent Abstractions" is the art exhibit currently on display in the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art on the third floor of the University of South Alabama Marx Library. When Dr. Richard Wood, dean of university libraries, contacted Linda Tenhundfeld about doing an exhibit at USA, he told her to let her imagination run wild. Linda immediately thought of Bill Kramer and Ron Lindquist, fellow members of Cathedral Square Gallery, because of their particular skills and passions for the abstract. The resulting large, vibrant, colorful pieces are sure to please visitors to the gallery. These grand works of art will not only be seen with your eyes but also felt with your heart.

"Brilliant detachment," "a splendid trance" – that is what the artists believe viewers may experience in these magnificent abstract works. Abstract art uses shapes, forms, colors, textures, and lines to create imagery that is open to the interpretation of the viewer. It is a creative style of expression, which produces distinctive artwork that may be seen or perceived differently by each individual.

This unique, eye-catching exhibit is free to the public and will be on display through Wednesday, April 30, 2014. Many of these beautiful paintings are also offered for sale. Prices are listed on the artwork and contact information for the artists is available at the exhibit.

"Marx Library's Newest Exhibit Explores Stereotypes Through Photography"

Mobile — Exploring the effects of societal influence on individuals is at the core of the latest photography display at the USA Marx Library. Katie Walden, a USA student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in photography, has created the exhibit entitled, "Stereotypes and Judgment: Enough is Enough." The show is designed to focus on the individual person as opposed to their body type or achievements and roles within society. The exhibit is showcased in the first floor gallery of the library and will remain on display through February 2014. The gallery is free and open to the public during Library hours.

The exhibit consists of six models photographed in four different images to represent stereotypes and societal influence. The first image depicts the model fully nude to represent a blank slate, while the second image displays the model partially covered with something known to be a big societal influence, such as magazines or computers. The third image shows the model wearing clothing meant to be gender specific. The fourth photograph displays the model with something they love or enjoy doing, but blurs the model's face, meant to show the media's trend toward classifying people and refusing to acknowledge those who do not fit into the defined mold.

"Through this work, I aim to move my viewing audience into a state of awareness and understanding by encouraging my viewers to re-evaluate what they find meaningful in other people and in themselves," said Walden. "This body of work calls attention to the negatives that come from solely focusing on gender-role stereotypes and body image."

Walden, a native of Eufaula, Alabama, spends most of her time taking photographs or working in the darkroom developing film. In the summer of 2013, Walden was selected and commissioned by the UCUR Program to create the current display, which is her largest project to date.

"Marx Library Showcases USA Professor's Local Bird Photography"

Mobile— Native Alabama birds, vivid color, and various local area sights are the staples for the current photography display in the glass cases in the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art. Cindy Stanfield, associate professor in Biomedical Sciences, has put together a collection of her photographs, including snapshots of eagles, cranes, woodpeckers, dragonflies and bees. All of her pictures were taken in the Mobile, Southern Alabama and Mississippi area and many were taken on the USA Campus, including one display case featuring photography from the wetlands. The exhibit is currently on display and will remain on the third floor through the end of the semester. The gallery is free and open to the public during library hours.

Stanfield spends her lunch breaks at the wetlands, on USA's campus, and Municipal Park photographing the various wildlife. She also likes to use her spare time to take pictures of nature in several local venues including Dauphin Island, Bayou La Batre and her own back yard. She also travels to Mississippi and has taken pictures of Mississippi Sandhill Cranes, a species with only 200 birds left. One of her pictures of a Sandhill Crane family is featured in the show.

"My husband gave me a DSLR camera three years ago and I have fallen in love with photographing nature," said Stanfield. "I find the water birds to be fascinating."

Originally from California, Stanfield enjoys spending time taking in the Alabama wildlife and preserving it through photography. Her office is filled with colorful pictures she has taken and she also has her images displayed on the 4th floor circle in the Allied Health Building. She continues to perfect her skill through the continuing education photography courses offered by USA.

The University of South Alabama Library displays exhibits throughout the year. For more information regarding showcases, please visit www.southalabama.edu/librarygalleries/. All displays are open to the public during Library hours. To view the Library hours please visit www.southalabama.edu/univlib/info/hours.html.

"USA Art Instructor Displays Nature Collages at Marx Library"

Collages featuring natural influences and focusing on botanical illustration are currently on display in the Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art at the USA Marx Library. USA instructor and Printmaking and Foundations Coordinator, Megan Moore, has created an exhibit with representational elements of flora and fauna found in the 'natural world.' Moore's exhibit displays her process of sampling, deconstruction, and reconstruction, which come together to form something new. The exhibit is showcased in the Rodning Gallery on the third floor of the Library and will remain on
display through February 2014. The gallery is free and open to the public during Library hours.

Moore's process is a repetitive series of drawing, creating plates, cutting, collaging, and coloring. She creates new printmaking plates and prints them repeatedly, experimenting with color and paper along the way. Moore says her process of collage is both intentional and highly intuitive. Each piece's placement on the substrate depends on those glued before it; decisions about placement are reactions to what is already there.

Moore's work makes use of nature-inspired imagery that is being replicated and distorted and ultimately assembled into abstracted formations. She has been interested in flora and fauna since she was a child, when her free time was spent exploring her father's garden or biking through neighboring orchards. In the past two years, Moore has moved and traveled quite a bit and as she explores each new landscape, she has been collecting images of plants and organisms native to the
different areas. She has amassed a small library of images from these explorations and this collection of images is vital to her process.

"I am continually feeding new forms into my collection and each new addition marks a spot along my journey," said Moore. "Though I have recently been focusing on botanical illustration and species from my father's garden, my reference material has previously included a wide range of sources, including, but not limited to, old biology and medical books, mandalas, scientific slides, fabric patterns, art nouveau jewelry, and Victorian wallpaper."