Two North Idaho College student artists were nominated to represent NIC at the Chase Gallery.
The exhibition “Explorations XVI” opened Jan. 2 and runs thru March 27. Other schools invited to participate in this reginal event were Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, Eastern Washington University, and Spokane Falls Community College.
The artwork on display showcases a variety of media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, videography, and mixed media.
The artist’s reception was held, on Feb. 1 to coincide with First Friday, which is similar to Coeur d’Alene’s Art Walk that takes place the second Friday of every month.
Sydney Croteau and Dan Siemens both elaborated on their experiences of being chosen to be featured at the Chase Gallery.
How did you feel about being asked to represent NIC with your artwork at the Chase Gallery?
Croteau: I felt very humbled, to say the least. To me, there are so many eligible students who do great artwork who could have gotten chosen to represent NIC, so the fact that they decided on me (along with Dan) made me feel valued and noticed. I hope that many other students get to experience that because they certainly all deserve it!
Siemens: The reception at the Chase was fun! I always have fun at receptions where my work is hanging because I like to eavesdrop on what people are saying about my artwork. I remember at one point, a man was talking to a group of people about my steampunk sculpture piece and saying, “It’s like when you get close, she wants you to focus on the red [center], but when you stand back it’s like she wants you to focus on the whole.” I got a kick out of that because it felt like he was over-thinking the whole piece. But it also made me happy because it was proof to me that my artwork is open to interpretation, especially my non-objective work. Another person messaged me on Instagram after the reception and told me she loved my artist’s statement so much that it made her cry. That was another extremely humbling experience, to know that my artist’s statement and artwork could evoke that kind of emotional response in someone. It made me very glad because it enforced the thought in me that no matter how small, artwork has the power to make a difference.
Would you elaborate on your experience at the Artist’s Reception on Feb. 1 and tell us a little bit about what that was like.
Croteau: This was my second opportunity to attend an event where, as the artist, we were expected to be present for a time. I found it extremely uncomfortable to stand around looking at all the amazing art with not much else to do. My friends and family came so I was able to occupy myself with good conversation, but it was kind of intimidating. There was one artist who I think did amazingly at the art show. He not only showed some beautiful pieces but also was constantly interacting with strangers and talking to them about his art. It was impressive the way he put himself out there and it taught me a valuable lesson about self-promotion. Overall it was an educational experience and I can’t wait for the next opportunity!
Siemens: When I heard I was chosen for this opportunity I felt honored to be a part of the art community here at NIC. I was taking printmaking that semester which was a completely new experience for me. I was putting in hours of work inside and outside of class to create pieces that I liked. So, when Jen and Michael presented me this opportunity, I jumped at the chance to show my art on a larger scale. It was very fulfilling to feel that someone saw value in my hard work.
If you are interested in viewing the artwork on display, Chase Gallery is located at 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., lower level inside City Hall, and is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm.
