Teachers take on Stark Gallery

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The placid Stark Gallery lies still after school hours. Housing many works, it now displays the artisan faculty’s works.

Art Teachers have been holding a tradition where they can show off their skills. Their works are presented in the Stark Gallery, which has housed all sorts of miscellaneous masterpieces by students and faculty. 

Due to the pandemic, the Stark Gallery was unable to house teachers’ artwork for two years. This year, however, the gallery features Zach Carlson, Alison Dunn and Catherine Robbins.

Ceramics teacher, Carlson, presented the school with stunning glazed colors with “Anemone Treasure,” “Kanaloa’s Colony” and “Anthozoa.” Detailed monochrome enveloped “Bleached Oasis.” 

Carlson’s work theme is based on his love for the coral reef. He represented this by having created four pieces with different structures and colors. Even though there is diversity in his sculptures, the vast amount of colors are what truly unites these sculptures to the common theme of the coral reef.

Ceramics allows for both the creation of incredible pieces and emotional expression. Carlson said, “It’s just a fun way to express yourself and get a little messy and have fun.”

The person responsible for the teacher’s exhibitions is Nissa Kubly, the Stark Gallery director. Along with her contribution to the gallery, she is also the sculpture teacher and has displayed some of her work elsewhere.

Alison Dunn is the school’s art teacher who specializes in drawing, painting and oil painting. In the Stark Gallery, she has three contrasting but united art pieces.

Dunn’s first piece is called “Under (For Persephone),” which is inspired by the mythological story of Persephone. She has another on “Cumbules,” which represents ceiling paintings in Renaissance churches. Lastly, she created “Bigwoods” inspired by the idea of glimpses of memories.

Dunn says, “Some things for me can only be said with paint …. I tend to find the poetry in my experiences.”

Catherine Robbins’ artwork is prints on cotton paper. She created “Cowboy” and “Cowboy II,” which are the same image but with different colors. This allows for the viewer to see the differences caused by color and how the image seemingly changes.

Bringing teachers together through their respective fields of art is what the Stark Gallery is for. Kulby said, “I think it’s really important to have this exhibition running to share with the community.”