WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Sept. 23, 2015 — Sculpture is next on the public art agenda at the Nutting Gallery as Brett Kern’s work transforms the gallery space into a ceramics playground. The public opening will take place from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30.

“Our next exhibition is called, ‘30 Going On 13’ and it features 20 pieces of sculpture that are playful and fun. Join us for the opening,” said Professor Robert Villamagna. His exhibit will feature his interpretation on pop culture. Some of his creations include references to E.T., Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and dinosaurs.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Kern began his higher education at California University of Pennsylvania in the fall of 2003 as a graphic design major. One year into college, he discovered his love for clay and decided to switch his focus to ceramics.

In the spring of 2007, he graduated from CALU with a Bachelors of Fine Arts with a focus on ceramics. He then transitioned to West Virginia University to begin his graduate studies. In the fall of 2007 he studied overseas as part of the WVU/Jingdezhen Ceramics Institute exchange program in China. In 2010, he received his Masters of Fine Arts from WVU.

He was awarded an artist-in-residence position at the Red Lodge Clay Center in Red Lodge, Mt. In 2011 he returned to West Virginia and began teaching at Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, W.Va. In addition to teaching at D&E, he also teaches classes at the Randolph County Community Arts Center in Elkins and at the Augusta Heritage Center of D&E.

While maintaining his teaching career, he continues to show nationally and regionally. He received Best in Show in the HxWxD juried sculpture show at the Rosewood Arts Center in Kettering, Ohio and has work in the 5th annual Beyond the Brickyard show at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Mt.

“30 Going On 13” will continue through Oct. 22, 2015.

Other exhibitions planned for the Nutting Gallery through December include:

• Crayfish Invitational, 5:30 pm, Oct. 28, this exhibit takes its inspiration from the internationally known work of biology professor, Dr. Zachary Loughman and his crayfish research laboratory.
• Fall Senior Art Exhibition, 5:30 pm, Dec. 2, this serves as WLU art students final capstone project.

For more information, please contact Villamagna at rvillama@westliberty.edu or 304-336-8370.

Dedicated to educating, enriching and engaging students and the public through art exhibitions of the highest quality, the Nutting Gallery fulfills this mission through eight exhibitions during the academic year. This exhibition schedule includes five exhibitions by visiting artists, two Senior Exhibitions, and the Annual Art Faculty Exhibition. The Nutting Gallery is also dedicated to supporting the educational and cultural mission of West Liberty University.