UIS Assistant Professor of Visual Arts brings interactive Snapshots exhibition to campus

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery proudly presents Snapshots, an exhibition of work by UIS Visual Arts Assistant Professor Shane Harris.

WHEN: The exhibition will be on display Nov. 10-Dec. 1, 2011. An opening reception will take place on Nov. 17 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: The UIS Visual Arts Gallery is centrally located on the UIS campus in the Health and Science Building, room 201 (HSB 201).

DETAILS: Shane Harris explores the concepts of play, intimacy and relationships with the exhibition Snapshots. This interactive installation offers the audience a rare opportunity to handle and play with a variety of small-scale sculptural pieces and create their own “snapshots”. The backdrop for this engaging visual playground will include digital prints and mixed media sculptures.

Harris, an Illinois native, has exhibited nationally and has received awards and acclaim for his work. He develops small-scale objects to communicate, on an emotional and personal level, with his viewers. “I use small scale to represent not only physical intimacy but emotional intimacy as well. I have always liked small objects that carry a powerful meaning,” said Harris. Harris partners his objects with digital images that he has staged, using his small-scale objects as subjects themselves. “Similar to the impact of looking at a photo album, which can evoke memories and feelings, looking at my abstract objects arranged in an intimate picture can also evoke or trigger an emotional response.” To learn more about Shane Harris and his work, visit his website at http://shaneharrisceramics.com.

The artist will be present throughout the opening reception to engage with the audience and to also present a brief artist talk that addresses his work and concepts. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on Snapshots and future exhibitions, please visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website at www.uis.edu/visualarts/gallery, or contact the gallery by phone at 217/206-6506 or email: gallery@uis.edu.