Huntington Times

Marshall University's School of Art & Design is set to host a mini conference, "Art Careers: Public Art," on Friday, October 18, at the Visual Arts Center. The event will showcase regional public artists and feature guest speaker Becky Borlan, a Baltimore-based artist recognized for her large-scale, colorful works.

Borlan has been appointed as a Marshall University Visiting Joan C. Edwards Distinguished Professor in the Arts. Her invitation was influenced by her selection for the Reinventing Central City public art commission. As part of this project, she will create two sculptures for the Central City Gazebo in west Huntington. This initiative is funded by T-Mobile’s Hometown Grant program and sponsored by RenewAll and the city of Huntington.

The mini conference begins with networking at 8:30 a.m., followed by resource presentations from local organizations at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., Borlan will join regional artists Jonathan Cox, Frederick Hightower, Matt Smith, and Nichole Westfall in a panel discussion moderated by Maria Gindhart, dean of the College of Arts and Media.

Attendees are invited to view an exhibition titled "Public Art in Process" from October 14 to October 31 at the Pneumatic Gallery. The day concludes with a public art activity where participants can help refresh "The Jewel," a mural located at 4th Avenue and 10th Street.

Preceding the conference is an artist talk on Thursday, October 17. Borlan will present “Public Art in Creative Practice” at 5 p.m. Both events will be streamed online and are free to attend without registration.

These events are supported by various entities including the Joan C. Edwards Distinguished Professors in the Arts Endowment and the Drinko Academy. For more information or inquiries, contact Professor Sandra Reed via email.