UMPI’s Benson debuts new ceramics pieces
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Reed Art Gallery is proud to present “Containers” by Hyrum Benson, going on now through Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016 featuring new work by Benson, an UMPI faculty member and the new director of the Reed Art Gallery.
The show focuses on ceramic vessels with many concentrating on the idea of storage and preservation. Many of the objects reference simpler times, a slower lifestyle with an idea of conservation. This show features mostly utilitarian pots that reference history while confronting the idea of overconsumption and waste.
“I am excited about this new body of work,” Benson said. “The style is something that I have always enjoyed doing; this idea of interacting with my work is important to why I do what I do. In this show I have several large vessels that I am excited about. It has been some time since I have made larger work.”
Benson is a ceramics artist originally from Idaho, who joined the UMPI faculty after teaching at the University of North Texas, where he also served as an assistant administrator in the College of Visual Arts and Design. He is an accomplished artist with several years of successful exhibits and shows. He has presented exhibitions in galleries from Texas and Georgia to Kansas and Idaho, and has artwork in the permanent collection at Mercer University in Macon, Ga.
Benson said his current ceramic work focuses on the formal elements of design, but he is also interested in the industrial.
Benson is a graduate of the University of North Texas with his MFA in Ceramics, and Brigham Young University-Idaho with a BFA in 3-D Studies, ceramics emphasis.
“I am excited and a bit overwhelmed to be the new Reed Gallery director,” Benson said. “I have large shoes to fill, but am really looking forward to the upcoming shows this year. We will be featuring a wide spectrum of art and I think everyone will find something that they enjoy.”
All are invited to view “Containers” starting July 25. A gallery reception will be held Friday, Sept. 2 from 5-7 p.m., in conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk. The event will include a gallery talk with the artist at 5:30 p.m.
The Reed Art Gallery is located in the Center for Innovative Learning. Summer hours, from July 25-Aug. 26, are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Regular hours, beginning Aug. 29, will be Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 5-10 p.m.
For more information, contact Benson at hyrum.benson@maine.edu.
