Milligan’s artist-in-residence, Kendall Hamelryck, presented her fine arts exhibition and opening reception, “Building a Life,” on Sunday, Feb. 15, in the Milligan Art Gallery.
The theme was inspired by Hamelryck’s own life story.
“I’m actively experiencing what it’s like to really, truly build my own life because I just got married, and I’m starting my own family,” Hamelryck said.
Hamelryck, who babysits for her friends and family and works at a camp with kids, explains that the children in her life affect her own spiritual life and are helping her grow and flourish as a person. Hamelryck notes that her art is interwoven with her faith. She believes that the Lord is teaching her not to hold on tightly to material things in this earthly life and to focus more on growing a spiritual life. It is her hope that viewers will see the Lord as intricately woven into all the details and moments of our lives, like a butterfly on flowers or two sleeping babies.
Hamelryck’s mixed media installation “Be Content” features a table setting with chairs, stuffed animals and a tea set. The piece illustrates the contentment that children have with a simple little tea set.
“Their lives may not be perfect or pristine, but it is what they have, and they are grateful to have it,” Hamelryck said.
Hamelryck, who manages the Milligan Art Gallery, explains how serving as artist-in-residence shapes her differently than being a student by enabling her to give back to the university’s arts department. As artist-in-residence, each piece did not have a deadline like it would in a normal classroom setting.
“It pushed me to take my self-discipline to the next level,” said Hamelryck. “It took determination to get it done and to make it look good and cohesive.”
Associate professor of graphic design Art Brown said Hamelryck has grown artistically since her time as a student.
“The growth is definitely in her mixed media work and sculpture,” Brown said. “She’s able to put more of her life and current experiences into her work.”
Brown explains how the artist-in-residence program benefits current students.
“It’s important in art classrooms that students work with an artist-in-residence because the artist-in-residence has already been through the program once and can sometimes help,” said Brown. “They can exemplify the consistent work ethic that students need and can offer advice simultaneously.”
Brown notes that the artist-in-residence helps with background tasks, such as publicity, setting up classrooms, installing shows in the gallery, helping repair the walls in between shows, being a teaching assistant, or trying out assignments. The position allows students who have graduated and are unsure of what their next step will be to take more time to build their portfolio by giving them an opportunity to work as an assistant.
The art will remain on display through Friday, March 6.
Photo: Hamelryck stands next to her favorite art piece
