MAM! or bust - or, be careful what you wish for...

Our annual Art Club trip was a success, nearly a smashing success. The drive across the Wisconsin wasteland was filled with mirth, but otherwise uneventful (MPH blurred on GPS device to protect the image of Lasallian virtue).

However, our entrance to Malt-waukee came nearly to a close encounter of the failed brake kind when our #2 pace car opted to test the theory of cause and effect on the rear bumper of the #1 pace car. Fortunately the quick reflexes of the professional driver in #2 averted disaster (and yet couldn't prevent the outburst of screams in the car's interior).

All was well, however, even if we had to skip a sit down lunch (see box of lunch 'fixings' compliments of food service).

We did fortunately get to the museum just in time to see the closing and opening of the 'wings'. Add to that some wonderful art, Pizzaria Uno pizza later that we happened upon while we were lost taking the wrong Interstate exit, and the trip was deemed: a success!

Alma High School art students visit

The Art and Design department was the first stop on an 'art day' tour for 15 high schoolers in Mary Weber's art classes from Alma High School, across the river in Wisconsin.

The day included a visit with Brother Roderick and a discussion of the graphic design area, a look at printmaking with Preston Lawing, and a walk through the painting and drawing area with Dr. John Whelan. The group then checked on Rob McColl's two-dimensional design class before heading over to the Lillian Davis Hogan Gallery to see the exhibit on display by character designer Chris Ayers and sculptor Maureen Costa.

Having taken the long way to the gallery via a pleasant autumn walk along Gilmore Creek the students worked up quite an appetite. They finished off their visit to SMU with a gallant attempt to overwhelm the soft serve ice cream machine in the caf.

We hope with such a big tour topped off with so many calories they still had some energy left for their next destination, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

Students included:

Devin Kleckner

Katie Kujak

Jake Luff

Brandon Churchill

Kya Kuhlemeier

Derek Evenson

Taylor Treinen

Charlie Hanson

Tanner Linse

Michelle Zastrow

Nick Elstad

Lauren Marty

Aloha Igawa

Mireia Catalina

Mary had help chaperoning by:

LouAnn Anderson

Art Department Student and Faculty Gathering

The Saint Mary's Art and Design Department hosted the first "all school" gathering on September 17, 2009. Forty students were present for announcements and information about the Art department. Refreshments were provided by the McColl family of Castle Rock Farms, and included fresh homemade bread, chili and cupcakes. Monster cookies made by the SMU Art Club.

Door prizes were drawn, and included an Apple iPod (case), Andy Warhol's soup (Campbells' Chicken Noodle), and Hannah Montana hand sanitizer.

Closing the Loop

The sign welcoming visitors to the art department was installed just in time for the start of the new academic year. 

Thanks go out to Rich Hultman (class of 1986) of Big Guy Creative Studios for making 'real' Liz Dougherty's design contest winner. He is pictured here installing the work.

Stop in soon and see it for yourself!

And the Winner Is...

...Elizabeth Daugherty's design - for the entrance to the Art and Design Department, was chosen from a wide array of entries submitted by all students in Brother Roderick's graphic design courses this spring. 

The actual sign will be manufactured and installed by Big Guy Design in Winona, owned by Rich Hultman, SMU art and design alum.

Elizabeth is on a roll of sorts, having her cover design chosen for the spring Typography class project.

Congratulations to Elizabeth, and thanks to all who entered!

ITALY!

Nine students traveled to Italy on May 10th for a three week study abroad experience. After a long flight to Rome, we arrived safely. We took the Leonardo Express into Termini Station, and after getting settled at the Casa La Salle, we took off for the Roman Coliseum, (originally the Flavian Amphitheatre.

Painting Class group Project

Each student randomly received a small piece of the large collage from Painting history.
They were responsible for enlarging the image, and matching color, along with edges from surrounding students sections.