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Aurora University Art Gallery To Host Mythological Images By J.M. Mesplé
11/3/2009
"Aurora Leads Apollo," an oil on canvas, is part of "Aurora, Apollo and Others: Narrative Paintings by J.M. Mesplé," an exhibit of mythological paintings, drawings and prints at the Schingoethe Art Gallery in Dunham Hall through Jan. 2, 2010.AURORA, Ill. — "Aurora, Apollo and Others: Narrative Drawings, Paintings and Prints by J.M. Mesplé," an exhibit of mythological paintings, drawings and prints in a contemporary context, will be displayed at Aurora University's Schingoethe Art Gallery in Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place in Aurora, through Jan. 2, 2010.
An opening reception for the exhibit will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the gallery. The public is invited. Admission is free. A lecture by Mesplé, a Chicagoan, will follow the reception.
Mesplé's interest in mythology was born out of summers spent with his grandfather, an Osage Native American who shared tales of nature and animals. The artist draws on the battle between good and evil to provide material for his works.
Mesplé attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, and studied painting two years with Fred Shane. Through Shane he met Thomas Hart Benton, who introduced him to the mixed technique that combines egg tempera and oil paint. Mesplé graduated with honors from Northeastern Illinois University and taught art at Chicago's Francis W. Parker School. While teaching at Parker, he returned to his study of painting under Karl Wirsum at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
He also has taught egg tempera workshops at Midway Studios, University of Chicago; North Central College; the BASIC Program (advanced studies for art teachers); and at Northwestern University. Since 1988, Mesplé has worked full-time on his paintings, which have been showcased in numerous exhibitions both locally and nationally. His work also is included in many public and private collections.
Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. The exhibit is part of AU's 2009-2010 Celebrating Arts and Ideas series, consisting of art exhibits, films, theatre presentations, music performances and lectures to April 30, 2010.
Sponsors of the 2009-2010 Arts and Ideas series are Nicor, gold sponsor; City of Aurora, Harris Bank, Human Resources Management Systems, LLC, Old Second National Bank and Sodexo, silver sponsors; Alarm Detection Systems, Inc., BFC Integrated Print Management, Sikich LLP, and Whitt Brothers Garage, bronze sponsors; and Comcast and The Beacon-News, media support.
Schingoethe Art Gallery events for 2009-2010 continue with:
- Jan. 12-Feb. 25: Aurora University Faculty and Staff Fine Art Show will feature photography, paintings and visual creations. An opening reception is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 14 in the gallery.
- Feb. 2-March 28: "FRIDA KAHLO: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray," an exhibit of 46 color photographs of this Mexican artist, will be displayed through March 28. An opening reception is Feb. 2 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
- March 3-31: The annual Aurora University High School Show will open with a reception March 3 from 5 to 7 p.m.
- April 1-June 30: "Intrigue and Novelty," paintings, drawings, and photographs by contemporary Native American women artists, will open with a reception April 1 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
- April 7: The second annual Aurora University Senior Art Exhibit runs through Sept. 7.Artists will be announced.
Call (630) 844-5402 for more information or visit aurora.edu/museum.
