A new exhibit at Slocumb Galleries features the work of Mira Gerard, Carol LeBaron and Mark Steinmetz who are new faculty members in ETSU’s department of art and design.
The show runs through Nov. 21.
A reception will be held Nov. 7 from 4-6 p.m.
“I think it is important to see your instructor’s work,” said Alison Pack, director of Slocumb Galleries.
Gerard, adjunct professor of painting, is displaying paintings that are figurative, otherworldly, and composed of multiple layers of oil on paper on panel.
Exhibit materials say the artist is concerned with how the physical and nonphysical coexist in life.
Gerard’s themes also include the struggles and dualities of life that are inherent in mythology and fairy tales.
Pack said Gerard is a gifted artist who can paint like the “Italian masters.”
“Technically, I can say her work’s incredible,” she said.
Steinmetz, adjunct professor of photography, is exhibiting both black and white and color photographs.
Pack said his photographs document the landscape and people Steinmetz has recently encountered in Athens, Ga., and Johnson City. She said Steinmetz’s work is compelling not only because of its compositional strength but also because of its mystery.
She said the photographs make her wonder not only what situations the subjects were in when they were photographed but how the artist found himself in the situation to photograph them.
Pack also said the subjects seem independent of time and place.
“The people and the images seem to have a sense of timelessness,” she said.
LeBaron, adjunct professor of fibers, is exhibiting work that combines surface design and cashmere.
Pack said the colorful designs and shapes in LeBaron’s works are abstract in form, and the artist’s themes are only implied. Pack said the colors and shapes in LeBaron’s work suggest the fall and winter seasons.
But, she said each viewer will ultimately define the work differently.
“Each person will bring new meaning to the piece,” she said.
Pack said it’s good to have new faculty members who are doing such distinctive work.
“Different viewpoints are always good for the students,” she said.
For more information, call Pack at 439-5315. Slocumb Galleries are located in Ball Hall. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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