Nightingale Gallery hosts sculpture exhibition

Tacoma sculptor brings exhibition to Nightingale Gallery 

Nov. 2, 2017 La Grande, Ore. −The Nightingale Gallery of Eastern Oregon University is pleased to present the sculpture of Tacoma artist Michael Johnson during November.

“Michael Johnson: Sculpture,” opens with a reception for the artist from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10 in the gallery, and runs through Dec. 5. Johnson will present a public talk about his work at 6 p.m., Nov. 8 in Badgley Hall’s Huber Auditorium.

Johnson’s work is informed by place. From intimate observation to virtual manipulation, Johnson uses all of the tools at his disposal to create objects that reflect the familiar while retaining their own sense of anonymity. Formal strategic manipulation of materials is at the core of this work. As a fabricator, Johnson places manual labor in the realm of undervalued human endeavor.

“Johnson’s exquisitely crafted forms quietly command our attention,” Gallery Director Cory Peeke said. “His elegant and deceptively simple forms inspire us to curiosity and reflection.”

Peeke said Johnson’s sculptures entice a wide array of viewers, while challenging student artists to question the possibilities of simple forms and limited color.

Johnson’s work has been exhibited in the U.S., Slovakia and Japan, including such venues as the Seattle Art Museum, the Aronof Center in Cincinnati, Delaware Center for Contemporary Art, and the Opus Project Space in New York. He is a distinguished professor of sculpture at the University of Puget Sound, and has taught at Baylor University and the University of Delaware.

The gallery, located in Loso Hall, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.  For more information, visiteou.edu/art or follow the Nightingale Gallery on Facebook and Instagram.

To request images of artwork for publication or to schedule an interview with the artist please contact Gallery Director Cory Peeke at cpeeke@eou.edu.