Ohio Wesleyan’s Richard M. Ross Art Museum to Showcase ‘Line’ Art
Larry Cressman discusses his artwork, including ‘Ground Cover I’ made of daylily stalks, which will be displayed Jan. 13 through Feb. 15 at Ohio Wesleyan University’s Richard M. Ross Art Museum. Cressman will speak Jan. 15 at the university. (Photo by Cole Hatcher)
DELAWARE, Ohio – When he creates his artwork, Larry Cressman puts it all on the line. Literally. The Michigan artist will exhibit his unique line-inspired creations from Jan. 13 to Feb. 15 at Ohio Wesleyan University’s Richard M. Ross Art Museum, 60 S. Sandusky St., Delaware.
Cressman’s current pieces incorporate daylily stalks, raspberry cane, dogbane, prairie dock, and other plants to create three-dimensional artworks that turn nature’s lines into sleek sculpture. The Michigan-based artist’s focus has evolved over time since he became interested in the line while creating etchings.
“I wanted to pull that line off the paper,” he recalled. Initially, Cressman achieved his goal by creating collages that involved tearing and pinning thin strips of paper to walls. Now, he uses the plant materials, influenced by the Midwest’s fall and winter landscape of skeletal stems, stalks, and branches.
“It’s a visual experience,” he said, hoping that people see the beauty of the stark media beyond their now non-existent flowers and leaves. “I hope they come in and visually enjoy the work. Line, structure, lighting, and shadow all play a part in the experience.”
Appropriately, Cressman’s exhibit is titled “Covering Ground.” It also includes two-dimensional works inspired by his traveling and teaching in Italy.
A professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Art & Design, Cressman collected postcards while abroad, sanded off most of their images, and then drew lines on the altered cards while watching the landscape through train windows. Later, he connected the postcards to create larger, more intricate images.
Cressman will discuss his concepts and creations during a free illustrated artist talk at 3:10 p.m. Jan. 15 in Room 121 of OWU’s Edgar Hall, 35 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. His discussion will be followed by a public reception from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the nearby museum. Learn more about Cressman at larrycressman.com.
Along with Cressman’s works, the Ross Art Museum will be displaying pieces from its permanent collection – many of which have never before been on display in this public venue.
The OWU exhibition, titled “One Way or the Other,” will include a full spectrum of media: drawings, paintings, collages, illustrations, prints, photographs, jewelry, sculpture, and ceramics.
“The show represents the various disciplines of Ohio Wesleyan’s fine arts curriculum in keeping with the museum’s educational mission,” said Justin Kronewetter, director. The title, he explained, is a nod to the acquisition process – much of the art was donated and select pieces were purchased with restricted funds generously contributed by museum patrons, friends, and board members.
Kronewetter said the museum seeks to collect works by a diverse range of artists, with the new show featuring artwork by Anglo, African American, Hispanic, and Native American artists. Among the artists being featured is award-winning French photographer Lucien Clergue, who died in November. The university is fortunate to own several Clergue photographs, Kronewetter said.
Other artists in the show are Berenice Abbott, Peter Beard, Elijah Pierce, Winfred Rembert, Aminah Robinson, and Doug and Mike Starn. Also included will be a recently gifted, original Billy Ireland editorial cartoon depicting Ohio Wesleyan’s historic 1928 football victory over the Michigan Wolverines.
Ohio Wesleyan’s Richard M. Ross Art Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is handicap-accessible and admission is always free. Call (740) 368-3606 or visit https://www.owu.edu/about/offices-services/richard-m-ross-art-museum/ for more information.
Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers 86 undergraduate majors and competes in 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Ohio Wesleyan combines a challenging, internationally focused curriculum with off-campus learning and leadership opportunities to connect classroom theory with real-world experience. OWU’s 1,750 students represent 46 U.S. states and territories and 43 countries. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives,” listed on the latest President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction, and included in the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “best colleges” lists. Learn more at www.owu.edu.