Jul. 9, 2018
Ode to Childhood Exhibit Explores Poignant Themes of Identity
Explore themes of adolescence and identity in a poignant new exhibit by recent Central Washington University graduate Austin Harris. An Ode to Childhood, hosted by the CWU Office of the Provost, is currently open to the public 8:00–5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
There will be a reception for the artist on July 11 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. in Barge Hall room 302.
Harris is an Ellensburg-based artist, and completed his BFA in Studio Art in the Department of Art + Design at CWU in the spring of 2018. He works primarily in oil paints, and approaches his work through a figurative lens. Harris’s work attempts to engage viewers in the recollection of childhood memories, specifically memories laced with feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty.
“Often times, the male is viewed and thought to feel both powerful and invulnerable, “Harris said, “while in reality our own sense of falsehood and molded identity masks our insecurities.”
Harris most recently hosted Do These Shoes Look Okay?, a special exhibit at Ellensburg’s Gallery One Visual Arts Center. He also received the 2017 CWU Distinguished Artist Award as well as the 2018 Dean’s Award for studio art. Harris will attend the New York Academy of Art in the fall to begin studies for his Master of Fine Arts. To view more of his work, visit www.austinharrisart.com or @austin_harris_art on Instagram.
The CWU Office of the Provost is proud to offer quarterly art receptions featuring work by students and alumni. For information about these exhibits, please contact Carol Faltus at faltusc@cwu.edu. Parking in CWU lots is free after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends, except in specially designated spaces and in residence hall lots
Media Contact: Carol Faltus, Executive Assistant to the Provost, 509-963-1401, faltusc@cwu.edu