Treasure Revealed: Art From the Sacramento State Collection Appears in New Exhibit

Einstein/Rhythm and Hue. David Garibaldi. Paint on canvas, 57" x 69," 2008. University Union Gallery.
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Once again, art has proven to be a common denominator and a universal language. Six diverse departments at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) have found a common bond in each of their own departments’ art collections. Over the years artworks have been donated and purchased throughout the university but not in a cohesive manner.  There has been no central or unifying base or point-person to oversee the art.  Fascinating works acquired over the past 60 years, but held separately and never shared until now, have finally seen the light of day in an illuminating new group show.

 

An Affair in the Islands. H.C. Westerman, 1972, Lithograph. Art Department.

An Affair in the Islands. H.C. Westerman, 1972, Lithograph. Art Department Art Collection.

 

“Treasure Revealed,” the resulting exhibition, is on display in the CSUS University Union Gallery through September 24. While small in quantity, the show displays just the tip of the iceberg of a culturally diverse campus art collection, steeped in history and rich in resources. The underlying attempt here, according the show’s brochure is, “…that this exhibition will inspire interest in students, faculty, staff and community and gain support for a permanent collection gallery and study center.”

 

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Spiritual Patterns: Images of Navajo Women. Lithograph (set of four) 1996. University Library Archives and Special Collections.

 

Participating departments and their art collection managers include: Sheila O’Neill, Emerita Librarian and former Head, Department of Special Collections and University Archives; George Paganelis, Curator of the Tsakopoulos Hellenic Collection; Rebecca Voorhees, Manager and Curator of the The University Union Gallery; Phil Hitchcock, Director of the University Library Gallery; Terri Castaneda, Curator of Ethnology, Anthropology Museum; and Elaine O’Brien and Nancy Wylie, Managers of the Art Department Collection.

 

Attending the opening reception on September 3, 2015 are from left: Rebecca Voorhees (mnager and Curator of the University Union Gallery), Terri Castaneda (Curator of Ethnology, Anthropology Museum), Sheila O'Neill (Emerita Librarian and former Head, Sept. of Special Collections and University Archives), George Paganelis (Curator of the Tsakopoulos Hellenic Collection), and Elaine O'Brien (Professor Art History and manager of the Art Dept. Art Collection).

Attending the opening reception on September 3, 2015 are from left: Rebecca Voorhees (Manager and Curator of the University Union Gallery), Terri Castaneda (Curator of Ethnology, Anthropology Museum), Sheila O’Neill (Emerita Librarian and former Head, Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives), George Paganelis (Curator of the Tsakopoulos Hellenic Collection), and Elaine O’Brien (Professor Art History and Manager of the Art Dept. Art Collection).

 

A panel discussion, “What Treasures Do We Hold? What Are They Good For? How Do We Care For Them?” will take place on Thursday, September 17 from 5:00–7:00 pm in the Orchard Suite of The University Union.

 

After Tiepolo: The Triumph of Virtue and Nobility over Ignorance. David Wetzel, acrylic on wood panel, 2005. University Union Gallery.

After Tiepolo: The Triumph of Virtue and Nobility over Ignorance. David Wetzl, acrylic on wood panel, 2005. University Union Gallery.

 

The University Union Gallery is located on the second floor of the University Union and is open Monday – Friday, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm, and from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The show and panel discussion are free and open to the public.

 

Cuniform Tablet. Unknown artist, Mesopotamia, 2400 B.C., clay. Anthropology Museum.

Cuniform Tablet. Unknown artist, Mesopotamia, 2400 B.C., clay. Anthropology Museum.

 

For further information call 916-278-6997 or www.theuniversityunion.com/gallery

 

Pain Deep. Victoria Spillers. 2010, Wax, nails, and gravel. University Union Collection.

Pain Deep. Victoria Spillers.  Detail, 2010, Wax, nails, and gravel. University Union Collection.

 

 

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One Response

  1. Nancy says:

    Great article Lesley!!!

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