Huntington Times

The Marshall University School of Art & Design will present a two-person exhibition featuring Marshall University Fibers Professor Miyuki Akai Cook and Houston-based jewelry-maker Masumi Kataoka. This exhibition will be on view from Oct. 7 through Nov. 7 in the Birke Art Gallery, located on the first floor of the Visual Arts Center at 927 3rd Ave. in Huntington. The exhibition offers a look at how traditional craft techniques transcend into fine arts.

“I am hoping to speak to a broad audience, especially children and families,” Cook said. “My message is to reveal valuable animals that are disappearing from Earth because of environmental issues and poaching by transforming them into monster-like creatures – creating a funny monster appearance can bring children’s curiosity, and it can be a conversation starter.”

The opening events for the exhibition will include an artist talk by Kataoka from 5-6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, in Room 209 of the Visual Arts Center. Kataoka will discuss her creative process and inspirations behind jewelry-making – a skillset not presently taught at the School of Art & Design. Following the talk, an opening reception will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Birke Art Gallery, offering an opportunity for further conversation with the artists and to view the exhibition.

Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission to the gallery and associated events is free and open to all.

For additional information or inquiries, contact Gallery Director Courtney Chapman at galleries@marshall.edu.

Timeline:

- Oct. 7 — 9 a.m.: Electroforming workshop for students in VAC 207

- Oct. 7 — 5 p.m.: Artist Talk in Room 209 of the Visual Arts Center

- Oct. 7 — 6 p.m.: Opening reception in the Birke Art Gallery

Exhibition on view: Oct. 7 – Nov. 7, 2024