The Catherine G. Murphy Gallery at St. Catherine University debuts two spring exhibitions next week. Transformations: Homage to Nancy Stevens MacKenzie, curated by Erica Spitzer Rasmussen, runs Feb 2–March 17 in the West Gallery. The East Gallery currently houses the “Look at this, and look again, and see anew.” – Corita exhibit, curated by Jennifer Adam and co-curator Andrea Hoff, which runs Feb 2–May 22.
In Transformations, artist Erica Spitzer Rasmussen, daughter of Nancy Stevens MacKenzie highlights the work of her mother, an internationally known textile artist and founder of the Textile Center in Minneapolis. MacKenzie took everyday items like an onion bag or bailing twine and creates extraordinary pieces of art. The community can view some of her sculptural and unique wearable items at this memorial exhibit.“The exhibition is stunning and colorful, something we crave this time of year when the world outside is a monochromatic gray,” says Kathleen M. Daniels, director of the Catherine G. Murphy Gallery.
Nancy Stevens MacKenzie, mixed media with vegetable bags.
The Corita exhibit features works from the University’s fine arts collection. Under the direction of Corita Kent and Sister Magdalen Mary Martin, students in the 1950s and 1960s at Immaculate Heart College in Pasadena, California created the works of art showcased in this exhibit. Visitors will notice the strong themes of social justice, art activism, and Catholic identity in these works of art.
“Anyone who invests time and attention in this exhibition will go away with a greater awareness of how to look at art, nature, and the world around them,” says Daniels. She encourages visitors to “silence their smart phones, put them aside and ‘look at this, and look again...’ you will be amazed at what you see!”
There will be an opening reception for both exhibits, Saturday February 6, 6–8 p.m. in the Catherine G. Murphy Gallery. Both receptions are free and open to the public.
Gallery Hours:
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
by Sophia Niemeyer ’16