The Rankin Art Gallery at Ferris State University will present “Journey: Life from
the Inside Out,” an exhibit of works by award-winning artist Shelley Newman Stevens,
beginning Thursday, Nov. 1.
The series of figurative oil paintings in the narrative exhibit are the latest works by Stevens, a graduate of Ferris’ Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. The exhibit runs through Tuesday, Nov. 20.
“Shelley’s exhibit is very unique, because it’s narrative,” said Carrie Weis, gallery director. “It’s also figurative, and the story is really being told by a young woman named Annara. All of the paintings feature this female figure.”
Stevens, who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2000 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2004 from Kendall, is an assistant professor in the Fine Arts Department at Central Michigan University and a studio artist at Golden Apple Studio in Mount Pleasant. She also is director of the Golden Apple Art Residency in Harrington, Maine, and has served as a juror for various exhibitions and scholarship awards.
Her work has received awards at juried regional and national exhibits, and her paintings were featured in the 2011 documentary, “Re-Enchantment,” produced by the Australia Broadcasting Corporation.
“We really enjoy hosting Kendall artists, faculty and graduates at our gallery,” Weis said. “I think it’s a nice way to connect with the Grand Rapids campus and offer them a venue here in Big Rapids.” Admission to the gallery, located in the Rankin Student Activities Center above the bookstore, is free and open to the public. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. A reception with Stevens is 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7.