Gretchen Beck
Contemporary Abstract Art

CURRICULUM VITAE

Ikwarey


Ikwarey
collage 

EDUCATION - LANGUAGES - PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEGALLERY REPRESENTATION - EXHIBITIONS - PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS - GRANTS & FUNDINGACADEMIC COMMITTEES - ADVISOR, MENTOR, RECRUITER & STUDENT TRIP DIRECTOR - PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

GRETCHEN BECK

441 N. Park Blvd. Unit 2I
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
949-300-0282
gretchenjo.beck@gmail.com


EDUCATION

M.F.A., 1999, Major: Inter-Media & Video Art, Minor: Drawing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
M.A.A., 1998, Major: Inter-Media & Video Art, Minor: Drawing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
B.A., 1992, Majors: Art & Geography, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN
 

LANGUAGES

Conversational French – Djarma fluency – Fulfulde knowledge

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Professional Artist; Glen Ellyn, IL
September 2010 – Present

  • Exhibiting and presenting in national and international exhibitions and gallery presentations

  • Creating imagery for new juried exhibitions, individual clients and permanent art collections

  • Represented by the NoonPowell Fine Art Gallery London, England (9/20 present.)

  • Participating in weekly Group Critiques with Art Share, Chicago, IL (6/21 present.)

Docent Volunteer; Elmhurst Art Museum, Elmhurst, IL
September 2022 – Present

  • Docent: Lead public and private tours, support interpretation of the exhibitions, and answer general questions. Be enthusiastic about art and passionate about connecting with visitors in order to make their experience memorable.

Professor of Art; Chair, Art Department, Concordia University, Irvine, CA
July 2008 – August 2010

  • Selected to participate in a leadership institute program for spring of 2009
  • Taught nine units per semester
  • Instructed students in two-dimensional image making courses: Art Honors, Design, Drawing I and II, Painting I and II, Printmaking I and II and Senior Art Seminar
  • Advised students with their studio art curricula
  • Advanced the art curriculum, hired adjunct instructors and led the art faculty to create a strong department
  • Designed an exemplary assessment portfolio for the art major
  • Monitored the department's budget and raised art funds
  • Recruited prospective students to the art department

Professor of Art; Director, Art Department, Concordia University, Irvine, CA
July 2007 – June 2008

  • Taught nine units per semester
  • Instructed students in two-dimensional image making courses: Art Honors, Design, Drawing I and II, Painting I and II, Printmaking I and II and Senior Art Seminar
  • Advised students with their studio art curricula
  • Advanced the art curriculum, hired adjunct instructors and supervised the art faculty
  • Developed new assessment initiatives with the art faculty for the art major
  • Monitored the department's budget and raised art funds
  • Recruited prospective students to the art department

Associate Professor of Art; Director, Art Department, Concordia University, Irvine, CA
July 2003 – June 2007

  • Taught seven and a half units per semester
  • Instructed students in two-dimensional image making courses: Art Honors, Experiences in Art, Drawing I and II, Painting I and II, Special Topics in Painting, Printmaking I and II, Public Art and Senior Art Seminar
  • Advised students with their studio art curricula
  • Advocated the advancement of two full-time art professors, hired adjunct art instructors and supervised the art faculty
  • Directed the university art gallery in relation to the art curriculum and facilitated a permanent art collection for the campus community
  • Implemented an art scholarship and assessment program
  • Monitored the department's budget, raised art funds and wrote grants
  • Recruited prospective students to the art department

Assistant Professor of Art; Director, Art Department, Concordia University, Irvine, CA
July 1999 – June 2003

  • Taught nine units per semester
  • Instructed students in two-dimensional image making courses: Art Honors, Experiences in Art, Drawing I and II, Painting I and II and Printmaking I and II
  • Advised students with their studio art curricula
  • Developed an art major with three emphases: graphic design, secondary art education and studio art
  • Facilitated the hiring of two resident faculty members to teach foundation level courses and direct the graphic design emphasis
  • Hired and supervised art adjunct faculty members
  • Directed the university art gallery in relation to the art curriculum
  • Procured administrative assistance for the university art gallery
  • Monitored the department's budget, raised art funds and wrote grants
  • Recruited prospective students to the art department

Art Teacher, The University of Iowa, Arts Share, Iowa City, IA
September 1998 – May 1999

  • Instructed children in drawing, painting and printmaking classes

Program Director, Community Artist and Art Teacher, Taproots School of the Arts, St. Louis, MO
January 1996 – August 1998

  • Supervised fourteen art teachers who instructed inner city youth in a variety of media: bookmaking, drawing, painting and printmaking
  • Developed art programs for underserved families who live in South St. Louis
  • Taught classes in drawing, painting and printmaking to youth in the Juvenile Detention Center and to the elderly
  • Wrote grant proposals to state and national foundations: Missouri Arts Council, Regional Arts Commission, Paul Bay Foundation and the United Way

Volunteer, African Food Systems Initiative, Peace Corps of America, Niger, West Africa
October 1992 – October 1995

  • Created an adult literacy program in the local languages of Djarma and Fulfulde throughout ten rural villages in Southwestern Niger
  • Wrote grant proposals in French to USAID and Peace Corps Partnership to support adult literacy and education programs in the region of Torodi, Niger

GALLERY REPRESENTATION

NoonPowell Fine Art Gallery, London, England
September 2020 – present
www.noonpowellfineart.com

EXHIBITIONS

Seasons: Spring – 2024, Exhibizone, Vancouver BC, Canada,
April – June 2024
A group exhibition to capture the essence of spring through art visually and conceptually

SoloS – 12th International Solo Exhibition, Exhibizone, Vancouver BC, Canada,
February – April 2024
An online solo exhibition

Contemporary Colors, Kavanagh Gallery, Fine Line Creative Arts Center, St. Charles, IL,
February – March 2024
A group exhibition exploring the use of color in contemporary artworks

Taku Takarada, Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art, Laguna Beach, CA,
February 2024
A solo exhibition of mixed-media art pieces

Beauty and Splendor, Hummingbird and Dragonfly Art Gallery, Riverside, CA,
January – February 2024
A group exhibition of two-dimensional art pieces

Cruise Ship Interiors Exhibition, Design Expo Europe, ExCel London, England,
November 2023
A group exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media art pieces sponsored by the NoonPowell Fine Art Gallery, London, England

21st Annual Redux Art Auction and Exhibition, Redux Contemporary Art Center Gallery, Charleston, SC,
November 2023
An art auction and group exhibition of two-dimensional artworks

Connecting Visual Art and Medicine Exhibition, Missouri Southern State University,
Billingsley Union Gallery, Joplin, MO,
October 2023
A group exhibition of artworks that exemplify the connections between medicine and the arts

Habu Nya Dumi Dumi, Saginaw Valley State University, University Art Gallery, University Center, MI,
August – September 2023
A solo exhibition of mixed-media art pieces

Big Names, Small Art, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA,
May – June 2023
A group exhibition of small artworks and an art auction

Hampstead Heath Art Fair, London, England,
May 2023
A group exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media art pieces sponsored by the NoonPowell Fine Art Gallery, London, England

Gan nda Donie Koy, Epiphany Center for the Arts, Guild Art Gallery, Chicago, IL,
March – April 2023
A solo exhibition of contemporary paintings

Spring Battersea Art Fair, London, England,
March 2023
A group exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media art pieces sponsored by the NoonPowell Fine Art Gallery, London, England

Shapes and Colors, Gallerium Art Gallery, Ontario, Canada,
February – March 2023
A group exhibition of paintings focused on a sense of shape and color

December Group Exhibition 2022, HMVC Gallery New York, New York, NY,
December 2022
A group exhibition of two-dimensional artworks about the things artists have seen and experienced this year

Autumn Battersea Art Fair, London, England,
October 2022
A group exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media art pieces sponsored by the NoonPowell Fine Art Gallery, London, England

Contemporary Painting Exhibition, Arts Visalia Visual Art Center Gallery, Visalia, CA,
October 2022
A group exhibition of contemporary paintings

Abstract Expressions 2022, Red Bluff Art Gallery, Red Bluff, CA,
September 2022
An online group exhibition of abstract art pieces

Talem, DabArt, Los Angeles, CA,
July – October 2022
An online solo exhibition of contemporary paintings

Strictly Abstract, O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Gallery, Mill Valley, CA,
June – July 2022
A group exhibition of abstract art pieces

Hampstead Heath Art Fair, London, England,
May 2022
A group exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media art pieces sponsored by the NoonPowell Fine Art Gallery, London, England

Dumi Dumi Takarada, SoloS: 5th Solo Online International Exhibition, Toronto, ON, Canada,
March – April 2022
A solo exhibition of collages and paintings

Putting the Pieces Back Together, Bristol Art Museum, Bristol, RI,
February – April 2022
A group exhibition of collage/construction art pieces

37th Annual International Exhibition, Meadows Gallery, University of Texas at Tyler. Tyler, TX,
January – March 2022
A group exhibition of works on paper and paintings

The Experience of Wonder: Wonderment, NoonPowell Fine Art Gallery, London, England,
November 2021 – January 2022
A group exhibition of works on paper, paintings and sculptures

Pure Paint, Arts Benicia Gallery, Benicia, CA,
November – December 2021
A group exhibition of paintings

Absolutely Abstract, Modern Visual Arts Gallery, Bethlehem, PA,
October 2021
A group exhibition of abstract art pieces

Abstracted, Art Fluent Gallery, Boston, MA,
September 2021
A group exhibition of abstract artworks

Future Landscapes, The Room Contemporary Art Space Gallery, Venice, Italy,
September 2021
A group exhibition of photographs, paintings, installations and sculptures

Barcelona Contemporary 2021, Valid World Hall Gallery, Barcelona, Spain,
September 2021
A group exhibition of photographs, paintings, installations and sculptures

Abstract Only: 11th Annual Multimedia National Juried Competition, Wailoa Center Gallery, Hilo, HI,
August 2021
A group exhibition of abstract artworks

Dumi Dumi Goy, FC Gallery at CANO, Oneonta, NY,
May 2021
A solo exhibition of paintings

San Marino League: Art Matters 2021,
Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, CA,
March 2021
A group exhibition of paintings

Dreaming of Equality, Reynolds Gallery, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA,
January 2021
A group exhibition of art pieces exploring the theme of equality

Christmas Exhibition, NoonPowell Fine Art Gallery, London, England, 
December 2020
A group exhibition of paintings, sculpture and photography

Visual Variations: Figurative to Abstract, NoonPowell Fine Art Gallery, London, England,
October – November 2020
A group exhibition of figurative and abstract art pieces

Purely Abstract, Fine Line Creative Arts Center, Kavanagh Gallery, St. Charles, IL,
October – November 2020
A group exhibition of abstract art pieces

Brand 48 Annual National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper, Brand Library and Art Center Gallery, Glendale, CA,
September – October 2020
A group exhibition of works on paper

Second Annual Exhibition, The Idaherma Museum of Art Foundation, Princeton, NJ,
July 2020
A group exhibition of drawings and paintings

2020 small works - Big Talent, Las Laguna Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA,
June 2020
A group exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media art pieces

In the Abstract, Site:Brooklyn Gallery, Brooklyn, NY,
June 2020
A group exhibition of abstract imagery

Galex 54 National Competition & Exhibition, Joanne Goudie Gallery, Galesburg Civic Art Center, Galesburg, IL,
March 2020
A group exhibition of two-dimensional art pieces

Consciousness of Abstraction: Beyond Literal Appearance, Arc Gallery, Chicago, IL,
March 2020
A group exhibition of abstract imagery

The Mixed Media Show 2020, Core New Art Space Gallery, Lakewood, CO,
February – March, 2020
A group exhibition of mixed-media art pieces

Children’s Mercy Kansas City Benefit Group Art Exhibition, Jones Gallery, Kansas City, MO,
July – August 2019
A group exhibition of two-dimensional art pieces

Kadiya, Gadsden Museum of Art, Gadsden, AL,
July – August 2019
An installation of pastel drawings on black paper

6x6x2019 – The International Small Art Phenomenon, Main Gallery, Rochester Contemporary Art Center, Rochester, NY,
June – July 2019
A group exhibition of 6 x 6 artworks

55th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition, Newport Beach Civic Center Gallery, Newport Beach, CA,
June 2019
A group exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media art pieces

Abstracts Matter, 311 Gallery, Raleigh, NC,
February – March 2019
A group exhibition of abstract artworks

Beck - Lafuente - Mattern: Parallel Textures, Kirkland Art Center Gallery, Clinton, NY,
January 2019
An installation of three artists' abstract work

Artist and Location 2018, CICA Museum, Gyeonggi-do, Korea,
December 2018
A group exhibition of two-dimensional art pieces

Zumbandi Baani, Ferguson Art Gallery, Concordia University, River Forest, IL,
November – December 2018
A solo exhibition of collages, drawings and paintings

Connecting Through Music, The Bridge Art Gallery, University of Rochester Medical Center,
Rochester, NY
August 2018 – January 2019
A group exhibition of two-dimensional art pieces

Doni Doni, Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL,
August – September 2018
A solo exhibition of collages, drawings and paintings

Tira Hano, The Contemporary Art Gallery. Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA,
August – September 2018
A solo exhibition of collages

Spectrum Gestalt 5 (2018) of a Predominant Color, bG Gallery, Santa Monica, CA,
June – July 2018
A group exhibition of drawings and paintings of predominant colors

54th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition, Newport Beach Civic Center Gallery, Newport Beach, CA,
June 2018
A group exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media art pieces

46th International Art Exhibition, Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, Brownsville, TX,
April – May 2018
A group exhibition of collages, drawings and paintings

33rd Annual International Exhibition, Meadows Gallery, University of Texas, Tyler, TX,
January – March 2018
A group exhibition of mixed-media art pieces

Mapping Systems: The Poetics of Expression, Sears Museum Gallery, Dixie State University, St. George, UT,
September – December 2017
A group exhibition of paintings based upon the idea of mapping intersections in our lives, locations and logic

Taku, Gloria Delson Contemporary Arts Gallery, Los Angeles, CA,
July 2017
A group exhibition of paintings and mixed-media imagery

Iberi, Goodall Gallery, Columbia College, Columbia, SC,
February – March 2017
A solo exhibition of mixed-media images and collages

Hatta Hatta, Wakeley Gallery, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL,
November 2016
A solo exhibition of mixed-media images and collages

Tabandi, Farnham Gallery, Simpson College, Indianola, IA,
August – September 2016
A solo exhibition of collages, mixed-media drawings and paintings

Siiri II, Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL,
May – July 2016
A solo exhibition of collages and mixed-media drawings

Fiita Fiita, Reflection Gallery, Finlandia University, Hancock, MI,
March 2016
A solo exhibition of collages and mixed-media art pieces

A Fresh Look – New Self-Portraits, Montserrat Contemporary Art Gallery, New York, NY,
December 2015
A group exhibition of self-portraits in a variety of media

Takarada II, Lucille Parker Gallery, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, MS,
November – December 2015
A solo exhibition of collages and mixed-media art pieces

From Doodles to Digital, The Florence O'Donnell Wasmer Gallery, Ursuline College, Pepper Pike, OH,
September – October 2015
A group exhibition of mixed-media drawings

Fondo ga Moru, Brauer Museum of Art, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN,
August – December 2015
A solo exhibition of artist’s books, collages, drawings and paintings

Keyandi, Stadler Gallery of Contemporary Art, Kingfield, ME,
July – August 2013
A solo exhibition of drawings and paintings

Laasabu, Stadler Gallery of Contemporary Art, Kingfield, ME,
July – September 2012
A group exhibition of paintings

Farahan, Cardiff School of Art and Design, Cardiff, Wales,
March 2012
A solo exhibition of paintings

Desi Koy, FP3 Gallery, Boston, MA,
October 2011 – January 2012
A solo exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media imagery

Laabu Icerey, Gallery Renata Fryshara, Rockport, MA,
August 2011
A solo exhibition of drawings and paintings

Dumi Dumi, Sandstone Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA,
December 2010
An invitational exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media imagery
Featured as a guest artist and selected as a member to the established art gallery

Kandi Cuumo II, Lewis Elton Gallery, University of Surrey, Guildford, England,
July – August 2010
A solo exhibition of drawings, mixed-media works and paintings that highlight the color
scheme of the Red Fulani women

Attenuated Reflections, John and Linda Friend Art Gallery, Concordia University, Irvine, CA,
March 2010
A group exhibition of faculty artwork including designs, drawings, paintings and mixed-media
pieces

Saaji Fimbi, Contemporary Urban Centre Art Gallery, London, England,
October 2009
A solo exhibition of monochromatic drawings that explore the theme of desertification in Niger,
West Africa

Balepate, William Feick Arts Center, Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT,
March 2009
A solo exhibition of mixed-media works

Altered Communication, The Cornerstone Gallery, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, England,
January – February 2009
A faculty/student art exhibition of drawings, paintings and digital imagery

Peefi Yoonde, Kohler Gallery, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI,
November – December 2008
A solo exhibition of collages, drawings and mixed-media works

10th International Collage Exhibition, Amarillo Museum of Art, Amarillo, TX,
August 2008
A group collage exhibition of international artists’ work

Worso, The Green Gate Gallery at the Mill Art Gallery and Center, Honeoye, NY,
July 2008
A solo exhibition of drawings and mixed-media works

8.5” x 11” Project, Lisa Coscino Gallery, Pacific Groves, CA,
June – August 2008
A group exhibition of abstract and realistic works of art

10th International Collage Exhibition, Puke Ariki Gallery, New Plymouth, New Zealand,
April 2008
A group collage exhibition of international artists’ work

Baani Zumbu, UNESCO Miollis Galerie, Paris, France,
March 2008
An invitational exhibition of mixed-media works that highlight the theme of water, women and West Africa

8.5” x 11” Project, All Gallery, New Haven, CT,
November – December 2007
A group exhibition of abstract and realistic works of art

We the People: An Artist’s Response, Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, CT,
September 2007
A group exhibition of images that explore the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights

Salon Refuse, North Bank Gallery, Vancouver, WA,
September 2007
A group exhibition of artworks that utilize recyclable materials

Omnium Gatherum, Opus Gallery, Torrance, CA,
July 2007
A group exhibition of four artists’ works on paper

Paluka, LesDeux Magots Galerie, Paris, France,
July 2007
A solo exhibition of bleach paintings based upon a Nigerien proverb

Intrepidity, Surya Galerie, Long Beach, CA,
June – July 2007
A solo exhibition of abstract works on paper

Happenstance, Upper Gallery, The University of Dallas, Irving, TX,
June 2007
A group exhibition of two and three-dimensional artworks

Who Do You Say That I Am?, Burning Brush Gallery, Chicago, IL,
June 2007
A group exhibition of twenty artists’ abstract imagery

Dawn to Dawn: Journeys through Pain to Freedom, Kimmel Gallery, Midland Lutheran College, Fremont, NE,
June 2007
A group exhibition of assemblages, mixed-media imagery, paintings and sculptures

Eudemon, Concordia University Faculty Exhibition, CUI Art Gallery, Irvine, CA,
April 2007
A group exhibition of ceramics, collages, digital imagery, mixed-media and sculptures

Laasabante, Unite Art Gallery, Long Beach, CA,
February – March 2007
A solo exhibition of mixed-media collages and drawings

Siiri, The Old Main Gallery, Andrew College, Cuthbert, GA,
September – October 2006
A solo exhibition of collages and paintings

Incandescence, Concordia University Faculty Exhibition, CUI Art Gallery, Irvine, CA,
April 2006
A group exhibition of abstract imagery

Originative Unison, JR Gallery, Manhattan Beach, CA,
March 2006
A group exhibition of two-dimensional imagery by CA artists

Pilkinabe, Alice R. Rogers Gallery,St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN,
December 2005 – February 2006
An installation of images that celebrate the Djarma and Fulani cultures of Niger, West Africa

And the Levee Broke: Meditations on the Power of Water, Creative Change Center, Richmond, VA
December 2005
A group exhibition that examines the significance of water in relation to Hurricane Katrina

Abstraction x 3, Orange County Contemporary Center of Art, (O.C.C.C.A.), Santa Ana, CA,
October 2005
An invitational group exhibition of abstract imagery

Torridity, The Central Gallery, The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA,
October 2005
A series of drawings based upon the degradation of the Nigerien landscape

Artists Hang Themselves, Jose Drudis-Biada Gallery, Mt. St. Mary’s College, Los Angeles, CA,
September 2005
An art exhibition of academics’ and community members’ work

Gangani Kon, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger, West Africa,
July 2005
A series of paintings that emphasize the problem of erosion in Niger

Such As These, A Fine Arts Seeds Exhibition, The Garden Gallery, Orange, CA,
May – June 2005
A group exhibition of images that focus on the lives of children

A Cord of Three Strands, Concordia University Faculty Exhibition, CUI Art Gallery, Irvine, CA,
April 2005
A group exhibition of abstract imagery based upon social commentaries

Revealed, CORE, Washington, DC,
January 2005
An invitational group exhibition of twenty artists’ work

Anonymous Returns, Washington Project for the Arts/Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC,
December 2004
A group exhibition of one hundred works by one hundred artists

Integument, The University of Vermont, The Living and Learning Gallery, Burlington, VT,
November 2004
An installation of mixed-media images based upon the art of the Red Fulani women

Inaadamizey, Millsaps College, Lewis Art Gallery, Jackson, MS,
November 2004
A solo exhibition of drawings that explore the trees of the Sahel desert

Combine: Mixing Media, Lake Forest College, The Sonnenschein Art Gallery, Lake Forest, IL,
October 2004
A group exhibition featuring mixed-media imagery by five different artists

Polarity, Wartburg College, Waldemar A. Schmidt Art Gallery, Waverly, IA,
September 2004
A series of paintings and a video art production that celebrate Fulani culture

Kandi Cuumo, Casper College, The Goodstein Gallery, Casper, WY,
January 2004
A solo exhibition of collages, drawings and a video art production based upon the art of the Fulani women of Niger, West Africa

Mellifluous, Indiana Wesleyan University, The Beard Arts Center Gallery, Marion, IN, November 2003
A series of drawings based upon the Nigerien landscape

Yaasay, Shepherd College, The Frank Creative Arts Center Gallery, Shepherdstown, WV,
October 2003
An installation of images based upon the traditions of the Djarma and Fulani people

Plexus, Hiram College, The Frohring Art Center Gallery, Hiram, OH,
September 2003
A solo exhibition of collages and drawings

Takarda, Legacy Art Gallery, Santa Ana, CA,
August 2003
A series of mixed-media collages based upon urban Nigerien culture

Varied Visions, The Gallery at the Mission Viejo Library, Mission Viejo, CA,
June 2003
An invitational art exhibition featuring the imagery of four artists

Capricious, California State University at Fullerton, The Chapman Atrium Gallery, Fullerton, CA,
April 2003
A solo exhibition of drawings that examine the fragility of life in the Sahel desert

Vacillation, In Galeria, Santa Ana, CA,
March 2003
A series of drawings that explore the degradation of the Nigerien landscape

Paradoxical, California Lutheran University, Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture, Thousand Oaks, CA,
February 2003
A West African textile and mixed-media installation

Bayray, Concordia University Faculty Exhibition, CUI Art Gallery, Irvine, CA,
December 2002
A series of abstract and surreal images by two artists

Dichotomy, Gaweye Galerie d’Art, Niamey, Niger,
August 2002
A solo exhibition of paintings that explore metaphors within the Nigerien landscape

Meander, Calvary Art Gallery, Harrisburg, PA,
August 2002
A series of monoprints that portray the natural environment

Haalagai Wuuri, Biola University’s Art Gallery, La Merada, CA,
February 2001
A video art production that focuses on the literate and oral cultures ofOuro Djoribe, Niger

Haalagai Wuuri, Azusa Pacific University’s Art Gallery, Azusa, CA,
January 2001
A video art production

Irony and Delight, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA,
November 2000
A video art piece entitled Luther as part of a group exhibition

M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition, The University of Iowa Museum of Art, Iowa City, IA,
May 1999
A series of three video art productions that portray individuals who live in challenging neighborhoods in St. Louis, MO

Emmeline, Inter-Media Art Gallery, Iowa City, IA,
May 1998
A video art production that focuses on the ironies of race

Found, Inter-Media Performance Space, Iowa City, IA,
April 1998
A video art production that examines the subject of grief

Found, Iowa City, IA,
December 1997
A public art performance that involves elderly people dealing with grief

Fault, Inter-Media Performance Space, Iowa City, IA, November 1997
A public art performance that involves a Mennonite writer from Kalona, IA

Johnnie Maie,Taproots, St. Louis, MO,
June – August 1997
A public art performance based upon the West African mid-wife

Book Arts Exhibition, Arts Iowa City, Iowa City, IA,
January 1997
An artist’s book of drawings and paintings in a group exhibition

Baani, Centre Culturel Franco-Nigerien Galerie d’Art, Niamey, Niger,
August 1995
A solo exhibition of mixed-media collages and Nigerien proverbs

PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS

"Imagination and Collage Panel: Materiality, Fragmentation and Abstraction" February 2024
A virtual presentation entitled Taku Takarada that was based on a solo exhibition of mixed-media art pieces at the Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art, Laguna Beach, CA
College Art Association Annual Conference 2024, Chicago, IL

“Artistic Repertoire” October 2023
A gallery presentation of drawings, paintings and mixed-media art pieces, Association of University Women, Glen Ellyn, IL

“Habu Nya Dumi Dumi” September 2023
A gallery presentation of mixed-media art pieces, University Art Gallery, Saginaw Valley State University, University City, MI

“Gan nda Donie Koy” March 2023
A gallery presentation of contemporary paintings, Epiphany Center for the Arts, Chicago, IL

“Dumi Dumi Goy” May 2021
A virtual gallery presentation of a solo exhibition of paintings, FC Gallery at CANO, Oneonta, NY

“September 2020 Artist Interview”
An interview about my artistic practice and art production, NYC Phoenix Art: An Artist Collective, Manhattan, NY

“Zumbandi Baani” December 2018
A gallery presentation of collages, drawings and paintings and a workshop, Ferguson Art Gallery, Concordia University, River Forest, IL

“Doni Doni” September 2018
A gallery presentation of collages, drawings and paintings and a workshop, Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL

“Hatta Hatta” November 2016
A gallery presentation of of mixed-media images and collages, Wakely Gallery, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL

“A Fresh Look – New Self-Portraits” December 2015
A gallery presentation of self-portraits in a variety of media, Montserrat Contemporary Art Gallery, New York, NY

“Fondo ga Moru” August 2015
A gallery presentation of collages, drawings and paintings, Brauer Museum of Art, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

"Desi Koy" October and December 2011
A studio tour and gallery presentation, FP3 Gallery, Boston, MA

"Laabu Icerey" August 2011
A gallery presentation and drawing workshop, Gallery Renata Fryshara, Rockport, MA

"Dumi Dumi" December 2010
A gallery presentation, Sandstone Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA

"Kandi Cuumo II" July 2010
A gallery presentation and pastel workshop, Lewis Elton Gallery, University of Surrey, Guildford, England

"Attenuated Reflections" March 2010
A gallery presentation of four faculty members' artwork, John and Linda Friend Art Gallery, 
Concordia University, Irvine, CA

"Saaji Fimbi" October 2009
A lecture, gallery presentation and an interactive drawing workshop, Contemporary Urban Centre Art Gallery, London, England

"Balepate" March 2009
A lecture, slide presentation and drawing workshop, William Feick Arts Center, Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT

"Altered Communication" January 2009
A lecture, video presentation and an interactive drawing workshop based upon a faculty/student art exhibition, The Cornerstone Gallery, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, England

"Peefi Yoonde" November 2008
A lecture, slide presentation and drawing workshop, Kohler Gallery, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI

"Omnium Gatherium" July 2007
A gallery presentation that features a group of four artists' works on paper, Opus Gallery, Torrance, CA

"Eudemon" April 2007
A gallery presentation of six artists' work, Concordia University Art Gallery, Irvine, CA

"Laasabante" February 2007
A gallery presentation that discusses abstract imagery, Unite Art Gallery, Long Beach, CA

"Siiri" October 2006
An interactive drawing workshop based upon rural Nigerien culture, Cuthbert, GA and Irvine, CA

"Incandescence" April 2006
A gallery presentation that highlights the artistic processes of three faculty members, Concordia University Art Gallery, Irvine, CA

"Pilkinabe" February 2006
A lecture, slide presentation and drawing workshop based upon the traditions of the Djarma and the Fulani people, Alice R. Rogers Gallery, St. John's University, Collegeville, MN

"Abstraction x 3" October 2005
A gallery presentation that focuses on abstract imagery and creativity by three artists, Orange County Contemporary Center of Art, (O.C.C.C.A.), Santa Ana, CA

"Torridity" September 2005
A lecture and drawing workshop based upon the trees of the Sahel desert, The Central Gallery, The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

"Gangani Kon" July 2005
A lecture and painting workshop based upon Djarma proverbs that explore the Nigerien landscape, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger

"A Cord of Three Strands" April 2005
A gallery presentation that highlights the imagery of three artists, Concordia University Art Gallery, Irvine, CA

"Integument" November 2004
A lecture, slide presentation and collage workshop that explores the art of the Red Fulani women, The University of Vermont, The Living and Learning Gallery, Burlington, VT

"Inaadamizey" November 2004
A lecture, slide presentation and drawing workshop that emphasizes the degradation of the Nigerien landscape, Millsaps College, Lewis Art Gallery, Jackson, MS

"Combine: Mixing-Media" October 2004
A gallery presentation that features the techniques and concepts of a series of mixed-media projects, Lake Forest College, The Sonnenschein Gallery, Lake Forest, IL

"Polarity" September 2004
A lecture, slide presentation and drawing workshop that explore Fulani culture and art forms, Wartburg College, Waldemar A. Schmidt Art Gallery, Waverly, IA

"Kandi Cuumo" February 2004
A lecture, slide presentation and painting workshop that feature the art of the Fulani women of Niger, West Africa, Casper College, The Goodstein Gallery, Casper, WY

"Mellifluous" November 2003
A lecture, slide presentation and drawing workshop based upon the role of image making in the developing world, Indiana Wesleyan University, The Beard Arts Center, Marion, IN

"Yaasay" October 2003
A lecture and slide presentation based upon imagery that explores the use of color and texture within Nigerien culture, Shepherd College, The Frank Creative Arts Center, Shepherdstown, WV

"The Art of the Red and Black Fulani Women" October 2003
A lecture and slide presentation that highlights the art forms of the Fulani women from Niger, Shepherd College, Performing Arts Series at Shepherd (PASS), Shepherdstown, WV

"Plexus" September 2003
A lecture based upon the concept of takarda in urban Niger, Hiram College, The Frohring Art Center Gallery, Hiram, OH

"Takarda" July 2003
A two-day collage and painting workshop, Centre Culturel Franco-Nigerien, Niamey, Niger

"Varied Visions" June 2003
A panel discussion and slide presentation sponsored by the Cultural Arts Commission of Mission Viejo, CA, Mission Viejo Public Library, Mission Viejo, CA

"Tenacity: A Necessary Quality for the Visual Artist" April 2003
A lecture and slide presentation that emphasizes the need for persistence as a visual artist, Art Forum, Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, CA

"Capricious" April 2003
A lecture that discusses artistic research and drawing in the Sahel desert, California State University Fullerton, The Chapman Atrium Gallery, Fullerton, CA

"Vacillation" March 2003
A lecture and slide presentation that explores art in relation to social change in Niger, West Africa, In Galeria, Santa Ana, CA

"Paradoxical" February 2003
A lecture and slide presentation in celebration of African-American History month, California Lutheran University, Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture, Thousand Oaks, CA

"Ambivalence" November 2002
A lecture and slide presentation featuring images that focus on desertification in Niger, West Africa, Heritage Regional Park Library, Irvine, CA

"Common Day of Learning" March 2002
A public art workshop that engages participants in a mural project, Azusa Pacific University, Department of Art, Azusa, CA

"Metamorphosis" March 2002
A lecture and slide presentation based upon a public art project, a student monoprint exhibition and a two-day monoprint workshop, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Department of Art, Hickory, NC

"Portraits of the Proletariat" February 2002
A paper presentation for the session entitled, The Active Tense: Research with Undergraduate Art Majors, College Art Association 90th Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA

"Teaching the Relationship between Self and Society within an Art Curriculum" April 2001
A lecture and slide presentation that highlights exemplary student artwork, Lutheranism, the Arts and Higher Education, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN

"Drawing and Otherness" February 2001
A lecture and drawing workshop based upon the role of the artist working in an impoverished environment, Biola University, Department of Art, La Mirada, CA

"The Oral and Literate Cultures of Ouro Djoribe, Niger" January 2001
A lecture and an interactive painting workshop that emphasizes the roles of sound and sight in image making, Azusa Pacific University, Department of Art, Azusa, CA

"Tableau" December 2000
A lecture, slide presentation and three-day workshop based upon tableau art productions, Concordia University Freshman Honors course, Irvine, CA

"Collaboration: A Model from the Arts" October 2000
A public art performance with four faculty members from a variety of college campuses, Association of Lutheran College Faculties Annual Conference, Concordia University, Irvine, CA

"Grief in Iowa" September 2000
A video art production and panel discussion, Lutheran Bereavement Commission, Irvine, CA

"Romare Bearden: Images from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina" March 2000
A lecture, slide presentation and tableau workshop, Concordia University Freshman Honors course, Irvine, CA

GRANTS & FUNDING

Gadsden Museum of Art, Gadsden, AL
- Created a solo exhibition, July – August, 2019

Concordia University, Ferguson Art Gallery, River Forest, IL
- Created a solo exhibition, November 2018
- Presented a gallery presentation and a workshop, December 2018

Lewis University, Brent and Jean Wadsworth Family Gallery, Romeoville, IL
- Created a solo exhibition, August 2018
- Presented a gallery presentation and a workshop, September 2018

Southeastern Louisiana University, The Contemporary Art Gallery
- Created a solo exhibition, August 2018

Columbia College, Goodall Gallery, Columbia, SC, February – March 2017
- Created a solo exhibition, February – March 2017

Illinois Wesleyan University, Wakeley Gallery, Bloomington, IL
- Created a solo exhibition, November 2016
- Presented a gallery presentation, November 2016

Simpson College, Farnham Gallery, Indianola, IA
Created a solo exhibition, August - September 2016

University of South Alabama, Mary Elizabeth and Charles Bernard Rodning Gallery of Art, Mobile, AL
Created a solo exhibition of collages and mixed-media drawings, May – July 2016

Finlandia University, Reflection Gallery, Hancock, MI
Created a solo exhibition, March 2016

William Carey University, Lucille Parker Gallery, Hattiesburg, MS
Created a solo exhibition, November – December 2015

Concordia University Art Department, Lewis Elton Gallery, Guildford, England
- Created a solo exhibition and group exhibit of student art, July 2010
- Presented a gallery presentation and workshop, July 2010

Concordia University Art Department, Contemporary Urban Centre Art Gallery, London, England
- Produced a solo exhibition and group exhibit of student art, October 2009
- Presented a lecture, gallery presentation and workshop, October 2009

Green Mountain College, William Feick Arts Center, Poultney, VT
Created a solo exhibition, presented a lecture and workshop, March 2009

Liverpool Hope University, The Cornerstone Gallery, Liverpool, England
Presented a faculty/student exhibition, lecture and workshop, January 2009

Lawrence University, Kohler Gallery, Appleton, WI
Created a solo exhibition, presented a lecture and workshop, November 2008

Concordia University Faculty Research Grant, Irvine, CA
- Produced a series of works on paper, September – December 2007
- Conducted artistic research and art exhibition development in Paris, France, June – July 2007

Concordia University Faculty Research Grant, Irvine, CA
Produced a series of bleach paintings, January – May 2007

Concordia University Faculty Sabbatical, Irvine, CA
- Created a series of mixed-media images based upon different aspects of West African culture, July – December 2006
- Conducted artistic research and art exhibition development in Paris, France, September and November 2006

St. John's University, Alice R. Rogers Gallery, Collegeville, MN
Created a solo exhibition, presented a lecture and workshop, December 2005 and February 2006

Concordia University Faculty Research Grant, Irvine, CA
- Produced a series of images that explore different aspects of the Djarma and Fulani cultures, September – December 2005
- Conducted research in Niger, West Africa, July 2005

Nigerien Art and Culture Project III, Irvine, CA
Received funding to promote art production relating to Nigerien culture, June 2005

The University of Vermont, The Living and Learning Gallery and The Africa House, Burlington, VT
Created a solo exhibition, presented a lecture and workshop, November 2004

Millsaps College Public Events Committee and the Lilly Foundation, Jackson, MS
Received funding for an art presentation that corresponds to a solo exhibition at the Lewis Art Gallery at Millsaps College, November 2004

Concordia University Faculty Research Grant, Irvine, CA
- Produced a series of images that explore the use of color in Fulani art, September – December 2004
- Conducted research in Niger, West Africa, July 2004

Nigerien Art and Culture Project II, Irvine, CA
Raised funds to promote art production that relates to Nigerien culture, March – July 2004

Casper College, The Goodstein Art Gallery, Casper, WY
Created a solo exhibition, presented a lecture and workshop, January – February 2004

Indiana Wesleyan University, The Beard Arts Center, Marion, IN
Received funding for a solo exhibition, lecture and workshop, November 2003

Shepherd College, Performing Arts Series at Shepherd (PASS), Shepherdstown, WV
Produced a solo exhibition and presented two lectures, October 2003

Hiram College, The Frohring Art Center Gallery, Hiram, OH
Received funding for a solo exhibition and lecture, September 2003

Concordia University Faculty Research Grant, Irvine, CA
- Created imagery based upon the traditions of the Fulani people, September – December 2003
- Conducted research in Niger, West Africa, July 2003

Nigerien Art and Culture Project I, Irvine, CA
Raised funds with the Concordia University Foundation for artistic research in Niger, West Africa, February – June 2003

Concordia University Faculty Research Grant, Irvine, CA
- Created a series of images that explore the Nigerien landscape, September – December 2002
- Conducted research in Niger, West Africa, June – July 2002

The Gallery at the American Bible Society Fellowship, New York, NY
Attended the symposium, "New Directions in the Study of Art and Religion", May 2002

Lenoir-Rhyne College, Department of Art, Hickory, NC
Presented a lecture, student art exhibition and workshop, March 2002

Concordia University Foundation Grant, Irvine, CA
Produced two mural projects that were created by two hundred CUI students and children from Santa Ana, CA, October 2001

Concordia University Foundation Grant, Irvine, CA
Developed an honors course entitled Art 499: Art and West African Culture, October 2000

Concordia University Faculty Research Grant, Irvine, CA
- Created Haalagai Wuuri, a video production that explores the literate and oral cultures of Ouro Djoribe, Niger, September – December 2000
- Conducted research in Niger, West Africa, June 2000

Missouri Arts Council African-American Cultural Initiative, St. Louis, MO
- Produced Adelia & Malayka, two video art productions, June – November 1998
- Created Luther, a video art production of an African-American boy, June – November 1997

ACADEMIC COMMITTEES

Academic Policies Committee, 2007 – 2009
Aesthetics Committee, 1999 – 2010
Diversity Committee, 1999 – 2001 and 2003 – 2007
Faculty Search Committees, Art, Music and Theatre, 2001 – 2007
General Education Committee – Fine Arts Representative, 2002
Graduation Committee – Art Department Representative, 1999 – 2003
Lutheran Bereavement Commission Member, 1999 – 2002
Presidential Task Force on Faculty Diversity, 2005
 

ADVISOR, MENTOR, RECRUITER & STUDENT TRIP DIRECTOR

The Aerie, Art Department Faculty Advisor, 2000 – 2007
Second Annual Presidential Showcase, February - April 2005
Portfolio Program for Prospective Students and Art Majors, 2005 – 2010
Kandi Cuumo II, Lewis Elton Gallery, Trip to London and Guildford, England, July 2010
Art 499: Art and West African Culture, Trip to Paris, France and Niger, West Africa, July 2005
The Art of Romare Bearden, The Museum of Modern Art, Trip to San Francisco, CA, April 2004
College Art Association Conference 91st Annual Conference, Trip to New York, NY, February 2003
Art 499: Art and West African Culture, Trip to Niger, West Africa, June – July 2002
College Art Association 89th Annual Conference, Trip to Chicago, IL, February 2001
 

VOLUNTEER

Arts of Life, June 2021present.
Elmhurst Art Museum, 2022–present.
Papier Girl, January 2017present.
St. Louis Art Museum, January–May 2014
St. Louis Artist’s Guild, May 2014
Ten Thousand Villages, November 2014–February 2015

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Alliance Francaise du DuPage, 2022–present.
College Art Association, 1999–present.