Sandoz Center showcases After Hours Artists

CHADRON – More than 75 items created by 25 exhibitors, all Chadron State College employees, are on display in the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center through Nov. 30. About 20 different media are represented in the Artists After Hours show, including acrylic and oil paintings, ink and pen drawings, cross stitch, multi-media, crochet, gingerbread, creative writing, recycled cardboard, glass, wood, and books.

Organizer of the show, Holly Counts, said it took several days to plan groupings and the appearance of each wall and display case.

“It’s so interesting to discover the creative endeavors of our co-workers and have them share a glimpse into their private lives,” Counts said.

Associate Professor in Education Dr. Ira Ortega, who has paintings in the show, said the display was carefully curated.

“I admired the variety of samples and was reminded of how complex we are as individuals. Many of the samples showcased were labor intensive with minute, intricate details,” Ortega said.

Ortega came away from the exhibit with a goal to talk with newly discovered artist colleagues about their hidden talents.

“I made mental notes to consult with the creators of the oil and acrylic paintings about their technique. I also admired the photography included in the exhibit, read the poems, and smiled. A common thread was that we all found solace in the creation of these pieces,” Ortega said.

Kay Mitchell, office assistant in Liberal Arts, said she had fun creating books for her grandchildren, which are included in the exhibit. Copies are available for visitors to thumb through while the originals are displayed in a glass case.

“When I went over to see the display, I was very pleased that (Holly) had arranged the copies to be read while sitting in a nice, comfy chair with a reading lamp nearby. That was what these books were meant to do, to sit down and enjoy with your kids or grandkids and maybe even share a giggle or two,” Mitchell said.

Brandon Davenport, development officer with the Chadron State Foundation, said he was pleased to participate in the exhibit.

“Not many employers would do something like this. The quantity, quality and variety of artists included among faculty and staff is impressive. Being able to create is something that's more of a drive than it is a hobby and I'm sure anyone presenting in this exhibit could tell you the time, energy and focus that gets put into these projects is usually significant,” Davenport said.

He said the exhibit was the first time he had seen his photos on display next to pieces of art.

“I've never really considered myself an artist, so this exhibit feels a little extra meaningful to me. I really loved Holly's decision to pair my sports photographs with Mark Hunt's poem (about coaching),” Davenport said.

A new maintenance employee, Jim Schmechel, said participating in the art show helped him meet fellow CSC employees.

“As a new staff member, I was excited to find out that there were so many people who work on this campus that do art on the side. It was really cool to see all the different types of projects and also be invited to participate. It has introduced me to people on campus. People have stopped me and said they appreciated the photos I submitted, so that was pretty feedback. Holly encouraged me to submit so I was I was kind of pushed to do something outside my comfort zone.”

The artists are: Tena Cook, Steven Cravy, Heather Crofutt, Kristol Cummings, Brandon Davenport, Karen Enos, Joyce Hardy, Alex Helmbrecht, Mark Hunt, Silas Kern, Kurt Kinbacher, Courtney Kouba, Kristal Kuhnel, Dallas Magnusson, Christopher McCarthy, Kay Mitchell, Brooke Peterson, Angelina Poitra, Irasema Ortega, Kelly Overshiner, Caitlin Rovner, Jim Schmechel, Laure Sinn, Tawny Tibbits, Thomas Deane Tucker, and Terri Wood.

The Sandoz Center hours are Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-noon. It is closed weekends and holidays.