Contact: Margaret Kovar
STARKVILLE, Miss.--As Mississippi State's newest artist-in-residence, Louisiana printmaker Kathryn Hunter will participate in a partnership between the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee Wildlife Refuge and the university's art department.
Hunter, operator of Blackbird Letterpress in Baton Rouge, is a printmaking graduate of Montana State University who also holds a master of fine arts degree in printmaking from Louisiana State University. A native of Decatur, Ala., she is currently represented by Le Mieux Galleries in New Orleans.
The MSU art department artist-in-residence program was launched in January with Mississippi native William "Bill" Dunlap. While on campus, he helped coordinate a number of well-received guest artist demonstrations and presentations.
"The public benefited from Mr. Dunlap's time here in Starkville," said Lori Neuenfeldt, coordinator for the department's art galleries and outreach programs. "Not only did people have one-on-one time with successful artists, they experienced how important the arts are to society.
"We want to continue inviting more artists to become part of this community where they can interact and inspire everyone from children to adults," she added.
Hunter's current works provide visual comments on animal and human relationships, often focusing on their relationship to water. Through the use of printmaking, paper cutting and mixed media, her works illustrate the patterning of life, interdependence, autonomy, and the narrative between the animal and human worlds.
An exhibition titled "Kathryn Hunter: Confluence," will be on display in the Cullis Wade Depot Art Gallery Sept. 23-Nov. 1. The exhibit will be part of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine's Human-Animal Bond Week observance.
A free public reception for Hunter will take place 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the gallery.
As part of the one-of-a-kind program, Hunter will be staying at the refuge's Bluff Lake Residential Unit during late September. She will be working with staff and on her own to create art inspired by the environment and wildlife she encounters. She also will be donating to the refuge an original piece of artwork representative of her residency.
"Through collaboration with different supporters, we are seeing that many people from all walks of life are touched and inspired by art," Neuenfeldt said. "Whether it's enhancing our learning experience, introducing us to new concepts and cultures, or giving us a sense of peace, we all benefit by bringing art to the community."
Located 12 miles south of the MSU campus, the Hamilton Noxubee Wildlife Refuge is located across Oktibbeha, Noxubee and Winston counties. Established in 1940, the 48,000-acre federal land reserve serves as a feeding and resting area for migratory birds and resident wildlife, including white-tailed deer, alligators and beaver. Wetlands, cypress groves, prairie grasslands, and forest are among its many features. For more, visit www.fws.gov/noxubee/noxactive.htm.