2018 Alumni Exhibit Opens Thursday

HANCOCK, MI – The Finlandia University International School of Art & Design (ISAD) will present an alumni exhibit at the Finlandia University Gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock, from February 22 to March 20, 2018.

An opening reception for the artists will take place at the gallery Thursday, February 22nd, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. An artist talk will begin at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Josh Jaehnig, Birds of a Feather, 2018, Watercolor and ink

In the 19 years since the inception of the bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree at Finlandia University 172 students have graduated in five concentration areas: Ceramic Design, Fiber Arts/Fashion Design, Integrated Design, Graphic Design, and Intermedia.

The Alumni 2018 exhibit spotlights the current work of 25 Finlandia BFA graduates. Here are a few updates on alumni exhibiting in the show.

Since graduation, Pamela Kotila (’10) has been creating comics and games, often focusing on queer sci-fi and fantasy.  Kotila will display three self-published books as well as a few pages and early concept art from one of their current webcomics. Kotila recently published a coloring book and Volume 2 of Spidersilk, which is the print version of their webcomic.

Pamela Kotila, Cover of Guardian coloring book, Digital Art, 2017

Also featured in the exhibit is Jordan Siegler (’09) who is now working in corporate and community development for Wisconsin Public Television and is currently serving as the Finlandia University President of the Alumni Board.

Artwork by Jordan Siegler

Mike Godell (’14) currently living in Wisconsin will be exhibiting a sculpture made from 4 species of wood (Cherry, aspen, red cedar, oak ply).

Mike Godell, Resonation, 2017, Wood (Cherry, aspen, red cedar, oak ply)

Amanda Rogers (’11) is currently working as the Marketing Manager for Pewabic, Detroit’s historic landmark pottery. She will be exhibiting her exploration into photography, including images she captured from the 2017 total eclipse and the historic Super Full Moon of 2018.

Kasey Koski updates us on her current work from Washington state, “Between larger community based creative endeavors I enjoy finding new ways to combine materials typical to some of the worlds most ancient craft practices into simple forms,” says Koski.  “These pieces come from my personal need to stay grounded in a creative practice and to satisfy my own desire to create beauty.”

Kasey Koski, Winter Pebbles, 2017, Wool Felt and Pine Needles

Ashlee Kranz (’16) Since graduation, Kranz has been focusing her efforts on a YouTube gaming channel she runs with fellow ISAD alumni Amanda Yoder (’14).  She is also developing concept work for her graphic novel, as well as making more creative crafts to sell at pop culture conventions. She will be displaying a formal Byzantine crystal necklace made from steel, aluminum rings, and Swarovski crystals.

Becky Weeks (‘03) creates historical costumes and millinery, working on simple draped garments taken from early Greeks and Romans, and more recently the Art Nouveau period. She will be exhibiting a garment titled “Snow”, inspired by Alphonse Mucha, a Czech Art Nouveau painter and decorative artist.

Melanie Houghton (’14) creates emotionally charged work, she will be displaying a three panel acrylic painting that expresses the deep meaning that can result from facing hardship, hatred and ridicule in one’s life.

Paige Emily (’15) is currently teaching K-12 Art/Graphic Design/Publishing at Ewen-Trout Creek since January 2017. She will have an acrylic painting on display.

“Every two years I get to touch base with the alumni of the International School of Art & Design,” says Gallery Director Carrie Flaspohler. “It is an honor for me to see the artwork of our alumni as it changes and develops over time, I learn from their paths and I get energized by seeing their creative processes.”
Please join us at the opening reception to learn more about the work of our alumni.  Mediums included in the Alumni Exhibit 2018 include ceramic design, mixed media, fashion design, painting, jewelry design, graphic design and product design.

Colleen Carroll, Superior, 2018, Acrylic, pen, paper and modpodge

The Finlandia University International School of Art & Design Alumni Exhibit 2018 will be on display until March 20, 2018.
The Finlandia University Gallery is in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 12:00 to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment. Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.