The Elzay Gallery of art will be open this homecoming weekend, and the exhibit “Four Prompts: Eight Structures” invites both returning and current students to physically engage with art like never before. This gallery was curated based off of the class Book Art taught by Associate Professor of Art Melissa Eddings-Mancuso, who hopes this exhibit helps illustrate the diversity of art classes that the ONU Art and Design program has to offer, as well as the talent that exists within the community.
First and foremost, this gallery encourages its viewers to have a more active experience with the art through kinesthetic engagement. However, it can feel daunting for viewers to do so, given that the typical notions of art are fragile and delicate. Eddings-Mancuso encourages viewers to experience art differently by physically exploring it: “…knowing that it’s an environment of a gallery, people have just been taught since they were children, ‘Don’t touch!’…And this is actually the absolute opposite of that. You’re supposed to interact with the books. You’re supposed to turn pages, pick them up, feel them, hold them, unfold things.”
When asked about the importance of having art that is interactive, Eddings-Mancuso praises its inherent intimacy, specifically noting how it is “time-based” due the ability of the one engaging with the book to be in control of the pace. “…I think just having that experience of interacting with this type of art form is just richer and a little bit more complex….”
As one enters the gallery, they are immediately met with 4 prompts written on the walls. There is no recommended path, and guests may move along the exhibit as they see fit. This leaves one to begin with the first prompt “The Meal.” One specific art piece that felt particularly intriguing was an accordion style book created by Samantha Lefeber. The book features a family of rabbits who are gathering for dinner, and uses depth and dimension to create a pop-out effect. Oftentimes, people think of art as requiring critical thought, nuance, and drama. In contrast, this piece is very whimsical in nature. When asked if this feels refreshing to do as an artist, Lefeber said this: “I agree that there is this expectation where you have to try and make things have a meaning all the time, and if you don’t make one intentionally, people try to seek out one in everything you do…So being able to make a book where rabbits pop out at your face, and it’s a big family–it’s just fun. There’s no deeper meaning. It’s just fun.” Lefeber also provides a written description for this piece on the display. It is immersive in detail and even offers that “there is always room for one more!”, making the viewer feel as though they are welcome to sit down and eat with this lovely family of critters.
The next prompt is “In 10 Minutes.” This prompt inherently is a bit more ambiguous than the others. It immediately begs the question: what can happen in 10 minutes? From a historic act of violence, to the feelings of mental health spiral, these artists explore multiple avenues of how time shapes us. One piece that was particularly fascinating was a display that utilized an old phone case and a flagbook structure to recreate the feeling of doomscrolling on social media. Through the utilization of a pull sting, the artwork showcases it all. From memes, to viral moments, breaking news, tragedy–all of the media that many are continuously exposed to in just 10 minutes of being on the internet. This work, done by Malayna Gahris, speaks to the powerful effects of the content we consume, in both the good and bad ways.
Following that is the prompt “Rituals.” Many artists chose to dedicate their piece to a common routine they have within their day-to-day lives or within their faith. A few of the artists explore typical customs within the Catholic faith through the use of intricate beading, religious imagery, and gothic styles–all within multiple different structures. In particular, one style utilized by Elise Mancini was the blizzard book–one of eight possible book structures the artists could choose from. On the other hand, one artist, Haven Hall-Vietz, derived inspiration from the common routine of struggling to choose what to have for dinner. This was comically arranged using the interlocking structure of book art.
The exhibit finishes with one of the more emotional prompts: “I’m Sorry I Forgot You.” Naturally, many of the artists chose to use this prompt as a means of reflecting back to the relationships and activities that helped shape them. Two of the artists who made work for this prompt gave some personal insight as to how their art came to be. First, Melina Meza, a class of 2025 graduate from ONU, spoke about her piece. “I really was kind of thinking of the prompt itself, and thinking about non-traditional ways. I wanted to think deeper about myself, and since I am an art major I kind of thought, ‘oh let me look back at myself as an artist,’ and see where I kind of started getting my love for art and the inspiration.” Meza states that this work required going through “stacks and stacks” of old artwork and worksheets from her childhood, specifically between kindergarten and third grade. Meza stated that this project was “entertaining” and it allowed her to present her previous works in a format that can be looked at and enjoyed, adding “…[I] don’t have to just have these things in a box.” This piece allows the viewer (and simultaneous participant) to think of the art they may have done when they were younger, the stickers they used to get on their homework, and the words they didn’t quite know how to spell back then.
Love Shuttered, created by Lily Schnipke, is a camera encapsulated by purple flowers and greenery. The lens is covered with a small black-and-white photograph of two girls. Lily provided insight into what inspired her to create such a beautiful and dynamic work using the accordion structure:
“…This is supposed to be about my sister from when we were younger to now. She is in California right now, so she doesn’t live at home and she is working to become a nun, a sister. I’ve lost a lot of contact with her. So, I was trying to do a story saying, ‘I’m sorry I forgot you, but I’m remembering all these memories that we had together.’ I wanted to do that with the camera, and a little message behind it with all the memories and whatnot. This one was the first book I made, and it’s very detail-oriented.”
Schnipke goes on to state that her sister loves flowers and they share love for the color purple, which is such a special and considerate detail that exemplifies the connection they share. She describes this detail to be symbolic of the “love that still lingers.” The piece unfolds in the back, and is arranged similarly to a photostrip. Except this piece has many more photos which are accompanied by a handwritten message on the back from the artist to her sibling.
This exhibit features the work of 15 students. The class Book Art is an elective for Art and Design majors, but it is open to any student on campus. The class can typically be taken in the spring semester. While this class allows students to create a more unique form of art, it also allows the students to develop a sense of community with one another. Eddings-Mancuso describes the class as being “not like any other course.” After students spend the first few weeks learning the structures, they are exposed to the prompts of her choice, which are picked from a list she compiles when she becomes inspired. Then, “…the remainder of the semester is just problem solving…and it’s very community oriented– students get to know another, little inside jokes are created, and it’s a great atmosphere to be a part of,” she says. Another aspect of the class that makes it so special is the vulnerability that comes out from the students through their art pieces. Although it is certainly not required, many use this class as an opportunity to safely express their inner emotions. Eddings-Mancuso says this is one of the reasons she loves this class: “..There’s an opportunity for students to really go deep within themselves and to maybe express some issues that are difficult for them….”
While being on campus this weekend, be sure to dedicate time to looking at the amazing work produced by the incredibly talented students within the ONU community. The exhibit will be open from noon to 4 p.m. in the Wilson art building this weekend on October 5th and 6th. Eddings-Mancuso highly encourages anyone to go and engage with the wonderful art, both physically and emotionally.