The Franklin College Art Department faculty will unite with alumni of the art program to present the first art exhibition of the 2023-24 academic year. The public will be invited to view the artwork at the Closing Reception and Art-B-Q on Monday, Oct. 9 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Elba L. & Gene Portteus Branigin Atrium on the first floor of the Johnson Center for Fine Arts. In addition, the exhibit will be open to the public on the following Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m.: Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4.

Franklin College faculty, staff and students with a valid college ID card may view the exhibit Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 18 through Oct. 9. The general public may also view the exhibit during these times by appointment. Please contact Christine Morris at (317) 738-8271 or cmorris@FranklinCollege.edu in advance to schedule a visit.

 “We’re excited to announce the Inaugural Franklin College Art Department Faculty and Alumni Exhibition,” said Randi Frye, assistant professor of art and chair of the art department. “This exhibit will encompass a diverse array of artistic expressions, ranging from traditional fine art to commercial art, including graphic design, web design, and architectural drawings, all created by Franklin College art department alumni. Additionally, works from all five faculty members, including David Cunningham, Denis Kelly, departing Professor of Art History and Drawing Dr. Svetlana Rakic, incoming Professor of Ceramics and Art History Barry Barnes, and myself, will be featured. Join us for an engaging evening at the art department barbecue and closing reception on October 9, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.”

About the faculty:

Barry Barnes, M.F.A. – Barnes is the newest member of the Franklin College art faculty. He began as assistant professor of ceramics and art history in June 2023. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Kansas City Art Institute and his master of fine arts degree from Arizona State University. Barnes is a resident of Indianapolis (46219).

David Cunningham, M.F.A. – Cunningham serves as Artist in Residence at Franklin College. He joined the faculty in 2003. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville and a master of fine arts degree from Indiana University. He resides in Indianapolis (46205).

Randi Frye, M.F.A. – Frye joined the Franklin College faculty in 2020 and serves as an assistant professor of art and the chair of the art department. She received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and a master of fine arts degree from Syracuse University. She resides in Indianapolis (46219).

Denis Kelly – Kelly serves as a lecturer of art, with an expertise in photography. He joined the faculty in 2019. He received his bachelor’s degree from Wabash College. Kelly resides in Indianapolis (46228).

Svetlana Rakic, Ph.D. – Rakic has served as a professor of art since 1996, and will conclude her career at Franklin College in December. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Belgrade and her doctorate degree from Indiana University. She is a resident of Bloomington.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

POSTED Aug 28, 2023