Behind the Curtain

From woodworkers to landscape painters, our county boasts countless artists along with a large community of people who support the arts. One standout event showcasing a community within that community is the annual Faculty and Staff Exhibition at the College of the Redwoods. Running now through Feb. 13 at the college’s light and airy new Floyd Bettiga Gallery, the CR 2025 Faculty and Staff Exhibition features exceptional work created by its art department’s instructors and staff. (A public reception will take place at the gallery on Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 3 to 5 p.m., with several featured artists talking about their work and submissions.

The CR survey exhibition has been held every year since at least the late 1970s. Each year, the exhibit features art from all different mediums depending on what the instructors have been working on. In its early years, the show was known for spectacular fine woodworking. As the years have passed, modern mediums have entered the scene. This year, there are digital photographs, large canvas paintings, hanging and table-top sculptures, jewelry and metalwork, drawings, collage and more. There is even an intricate quilt piece created by Art Department Administrative Secretary Laura Meglemre.

“It gives the community a sense of the work of the people here. You can probably look at any of our faculty and find images of their work in portfolios online, but this show is a place where people can come and really examine all the nuances and qualities up close and personal,” says Arts and Sciences Executive Dean Peter Blakemore. “It’s fun for local people to come and see what our staff is up to. We have a really great art department and we are proud of it.”

Although each piece in the room stands on its own, there are a few fun common threads floating about. Much of the work has an aquatic element to it, as seen in Benjamin Funke’s 3D metal-cast abalone shell and Shannon Sullivan’s flowing, oceanic ceramic works. An atmospheric moodiness combined with that aquatic vibe comes through in Tova Lund’s drawings. There is a hauntingly beautiful, paranormal edge to the digital photographs by David Wilson and Lindsay Kessner’s (both Journal contributors) surreal paintings “It’s okay to want to be loved” and “Firelight.” Kessner, who is also director of the gallery and curated the show, clearly thought about the themes and connections between the work when filling the space. She says she focused on highlighting the synchronicities of the submitted work and sought to combine the different pieces in ways that showcase the artists’ diversity of materials and distinct approaches to artmaking. 

An exploration of human bodies and nature is also found throughout the gallery, as are flashes of humor and irony. The art is meant to get us thinking about local and broader changes and challenges, and how we perceive culture and society. An example of this is seen in Mary Mallahan’s tongue-in-cheek sculpture “Requiem for Childless Cat Ladies,” clearly taking a dig at our current social-political scene. Another thought-provoking part of the installation is Natalia Margulis’ photography series. Taken from a series titled “Getting Help Getting Dressed,” the photographs depict a subject changing in and out of costume. Margulis says, “the act of getting dressed serves as a metaphor for the layers of meaning we adopt when presenting ourselves in public, and for the ways we navigate societal expectations.” Her hope is that the photos will spark discussions about societal norms and help students see how art can be used to explore cultural themes.

Overall, the staff and faculty agree that the survey exhibit represents a chance for CR students and the Humboldt community at large to get to know CR art professors through their own work. It also gives CR a chance to show off the school’s beautiful new gallery space. “I think that one of the privileges of being a professor is being able to share what you do in a professional, academic studio environment,” says Funke. “And students want to see their professors’ own personal practice. Also, you don’t get to talk a lot about your own art in the classroom. So, this is a really good opportunity for students to see behind the curtain.”

In addition to those already mentioned, the exhibit features work from: Mina Cohen, Lupe Galván, Ruth Jensen, Christine Reiher, Eleanor Rose, Shelbi Schroeder and Dean Smith.

The Floyd Bettiga Gallery is free and open to the public Monday noon to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday noon to 4 p.m., and by appointment. Visit redwoods.edu/artgallery or call (707) 476-4559.

Tamar Burris (she/her) is a freelance education writer and relationship coach. Her book for children of divorce A New Special Friend is available through her website tamarburris.com.

This article appears in The Humboldt County Fair is at a Crossroads.