An exhibition at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Carlsten Art Gallery is focusing on the personal connections people have with original artwork. Titled “Community Collects | Art & Stories of Acquisition,” the show runs from November 4 to December 5 and features pieces loaned by members of the Stevens Point community, including advocates, volunteers, educators, politicians, artists, and business leaders. Each participant contributed a single work from their private collection along with the story behind how they acquired it.
The gallery is located on the second floor of the Noel Fine Arts Center and is open to the public free of charge. Hours are Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. An opening reception will take place on November 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Gallery Director Kyle Knoke explained that this exhibition was assembled differently than most shows. “With all the people involved in this show, there really was no opportunity for curating,” said Knoke. “It was a fingers-crossed, come-what-may kind of situation.” He added that the result is an eclectic mix of work from various artists both within Wisconsin and internationally. “The personal stories from the collectors are heartfelt and revealing and illustrate just how powerful having original artwork in one’s life can be.”
The exhibition also includes contributions from UWSP students in the School of Design and Communication, who submitted works for display in Carlsten’s Schneider Student Gallery along with their acquisition stories.
Support for this event comes from the UWSP Foundation. The Carlsten Art Gallery regularly presents exhibitions featuring student talent as well as established artists, aiming to engage both campus and local communities through its programming.
