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A kaleidoscope of elements

Complementary art exhibits open at Nazareth College

Rochester, NY (09/29/2022) — Two new art exhibitions - Discombobulation: A Collide of Scope featuring the paintings of James Stephen Terrell in the Arts Center Gallery and Elements: Earth and Fire featuring the three-dimensional work of Mike Carroll in the Colacino Gallery - open on October 7 at Nazareth College, 4245 East Ave.

The art of James Stephen Terrell demonstrates the advancements of color theory as approached by his art educational experiences at Howard University where he earned a BFA and Parsons School of Design where he received an MFA.

Terrell's art springs from a wide array of influences, including quilt design, stained glass window techniques and Josef Albers' color blocking. His dynamic and colorfully saturated paintings project the movement of life and the vibration of energy. Moving between abstraction and realism, electric color interactions and geometric patterning, Terrell's aim is to contemplate and document our humanity and spirituality in these singularly turbulent times. His art mentally and emotionally moves the viewer by creating a kaleidoscope of illusions that tell a host of stories.

"In these days and times many are perplexed, muddled, puzzled, confused, confounded, bewildered, befuddled and dizzy with thoughts of anxiety," Terrell said in his artist statement. "A Collide of Scope addresses the feelings we all encounter."

Terrell will give an artist talk in the gallery from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 21.

Mike Carroll works in stoneware clays that are fired in a traditional wood kiln he built 22 years ago. It is the sum of earth, water, wind, and fire that he enjoys in making the vessels. The raw clay and glazes are impacted by the fire moving through the pots in the 2,500 F kiln for 18 to 20 hours. Wood ash is sifted throughout the kiln and pots to further influence the clay and glaze surfaces. The vessels are reflections of historical, functional vessels studied from different eras in Japan, Korea, China, Europe and pre-industrial revolution United States.

A 1979 graduate of Nazareth College with a degree in studio arts, Carroll stated on his website, "From warm earth tones to glossy crystalline glazes on rich, durable clay surfaces, these pots and sculptures are some of my best work to date."

"We are thrilled that these two dynamic and evocative exhibitions will coincide in the Art Center and Colacino galleries and that our students, faculty, and members of the greater Rochester community will have the chance to engage these artists and to hear James deliver our fall lecture," noted Arts Gallery Director Holland Houdek. "We hope everyone can join us."

Arts Center Gallery hours are Sunday-Thursday noon-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday noon-8 p.m. Closed Monday. Colacino Gallery hours are Wednesday-Sunday noon-5 p.m.

An opening reception for both exhibits will be held on Friday, October 21 from 5-7 p.m. Refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.

Both exhibitions close on November 20.

Nazareth College is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good.

Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected. Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of big universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing them for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth graduates launch lifetimes of changemaking leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

Media Attachments

Artist James Stephen Terrell in front of one of his paintings

James Stephen Terrell's painting titled "Pandemic"

Artist Mike Carroll working on a pottery wheel in his Avon, NY studio. "The individual creativity that I am witness to as a teacher makes me feel better about humanity in general. When we pick up a piece of clay we are engaging in an activity that goes back to the dawn of our species. When we pick up a piece of clay we are engaged in a divine process, as in the creation of mankind according to Genesis."

Artist Mike Carroll fashions a clay pot in his Avon, NY studio. "In some cultures, even today, clay is an element of power, imbued with spirits and ghosts in an animistic sense. My favorite form to make has to be the form I most despised in earlier years; a cup. A good cup is useful and intimate. I can make hundreds and still wonder how to make it better. The potter is used as a metaphor for God; I just hope I am a good cup."

Mike Carroll's "Stoneware Jar with Fly-ash Glaze"

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