BLOOMINGTON – The Waldron Arts Center is excited to present three new gallery exhibitions. In the Miller Gallery, Joseph Ovalle presents Devils of Dispatch, A Ballot of Postal Conflicts, narrating the political and commercial titans locked in frozen battle. Through his sculptures, he hopes to convey the reflections of systems, cycles, and architectures of oppression, suppression, and repression within the United States. His work hosts the environment of “creatures” and “devils” that inhabit a world they occupy and colonize.
In the Educational Gallery, Caleb Poer presents his show, Inflection, which delves into the relationship between art and self-perception. Poer’s work illustrates a dialogue centered on self-reflection, illumination, love, and personal experience. Every piece he creates is grounded in the evolution of eras and emotions throughout his life. His work showcases a series of painted mirrors, inviting viewers to contemplate their reflections and inner worlds through the lens of art.
Unveiling in the Treasury Gallery is The State of Democracy, a group show curated by Nicole Jacquard. Inspired by the “I Voted” sticker, the exhibition seeks to bring together metalsmiths to comment on the current state of democracy. In Jacquard’s pieces, she examines themes of the souvenir, ornamentation, memory, longing, and nostalgia associated with collecting personal objects. In their works, they strive to showcase people from various backgrounds, nationalities, and countries as Democracy continues to be tested as an ideal.
These shows will open with an event on Friday, October 18, from 5-8 p.m. There will be interactive opportunities for participation, including making your own buttons inspired by the “I Voted” sticker. The shows will also be featured in November’s First Friday Gallery Walk on November 1, from 5-8 p.m.
Joseph Ovalle is a multimedia artist who investigates the meaning of an object through material use, process and symbolism. He received his BFA from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville and his MFA from Indiana University Bloomington. Joseph makes reference to the historical and contemporary in his work to speak about topics such as religion, race, politics, culture, and American society. He has shown across the United States at various galleries, museums, and educational institutions and currently has public sculptural work up for view at Kellogg Community College, Scovill Sculpture Park, and Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. Joseph was also the co-founder of the ‘In Art Gallery’, which is an online venue where artists can exhibit their work. He currently teaches at Southwestern Illinois College as an adjunct instructor. Recently, he has attended residencies at the Vermont Studio Center, Jentel Artist Residency, and Farwell House, where he has been completing the work presented at the Waldron.
Caleb Poer is a self-taught multimedia artist. He has always held a passion for expressing himself using various mediums. Discovering new varieties of materials and techniques has fueled his drive to create. This dedication has led him to proficiency in both digital and studio art. Caleb takes a bold approach to art, often pushing boundaries and stitching together related concepts to create periods of interconnected works. His commitment to making art has allowed him to develop a community around his work that he intends to grow and cultivate.
Nicole Jacquard is currently a professor and area coordinator of the metalsmithing and jewelry design program at Indiana University. She received her BA from Indiana University in 1991 and her first MFA in 1994 from The University of Michigan. While on a Fulbright Fellowship in Australia, she received her second MFA from The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University in 1995. In 2001, she returned to RMIT University and completed her Ph.D. in Fine Arts in 2004. Her doctoral research focused on integrating Computer-Aided Design, Computer-Aided Machining, and Rapid Prototyping & Machining (CAD, CAM, RP&M) within a contemporary studio practice. Jacquard was awarded a second Fulbright in 2017-18 to Scotland, where her research focused on incorporating augmented reality into her work.
