WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., September 26, 2023- “A Kind of Heaven” opens Wednesday, September 27th in the Nutting Gallery from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The exhibition opening includes a question-and-answer session with the artist at 6 p.m. followed by a drawing party with Chase from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring your favorite drawing supplies or we have supplies to share. Both events are open to the public and free to attend. The exhibition continues through October 17th.
The Princeton, West Virginia native is an Assistant Professor of Art at Concord University in Athens, W.Va. and earned his MFA in 2014 from Columbus College of Design. Chase describes his artistic practice as “works in illustrative, narrative drawings that can take any number of forms. From large-scale modular drawings to comic books that use dark humor to explore the strange experience of being human. You might be amazed at what you can learn about being human from gallows humor. My main skill lies in narrative storytelling and drawing in a pop-pulpy format that resembles comics from the 1960’s and 70’s.”
“If you pay attention to Chase’s social media accounts you can see an artist that is always working, totally dedicated to his craft, and really in touch with his creativity,” said Brian Fencl, Professor of Art and Director of the Nutting Gallery. He continued by adding “The work in this exhibition is an opportunity for the public to see him exploring concepts from multiple directions, reworking ideas, and telling stories in very subtle ways. The unusual presentation of the almost 100 pieces is designed to bring the viewer closer to the work. The pinning of the unframed work to the walls shares the drawings in a way a visitor to his studio might experience them.”
The Nutting Gallery is dedicated to educating, enriching, and engaging students and the public through art exhibitions of the highest quality. Fulfilling this mission through exhibitions during the academic year, the schedule includes exhibitions by visiting artists, two Senior Exhibitions, and the Annual Art Faculty Exhibition.
Located in WLU’s Fine Arts Building, the regular hours of the Nutting Gallery are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Fridays, weekends, and other times are by arrangement only.
For more information, please contact Brian Fencl at bfencl@westliberty.edu.