No, this is not a typo; I am not
channeling Kafka. I am referring to an upcoming one night pop-up show with an
artistic and political theme. This exhibition, called “Feed the Adjuncts”, has
been organized by artist and adjunct professor Colleen Kelsey, who is fast
becoming known in the Dayton area for her organizational expertise putting
together pop-up exhibits, as well as her advocacy for those of us who maintain not
only a full-time art studio but teach as well.
“Feed the Adjuncts” was conceived
to call attention to all those hard-working part time instructors who devote
countless hours and endless energy to their teaching duties, while most of the
time receiving what can often feel like “negative” compensation, at least in
terms of dollars and might I add, respect. Now I know that this is not always
the case, but there are numerous studies that reveal the often large percentage
of adjunct instructors many universities and specialty schools employ, as well
as their pay and lack of benefits. The thing is, not only is this unfair to
those worker bees, it is also a disservice to the students they teach, many of
whom have no idea that many of their teachers are not full faculty members.
I teach because I enjoy doing so
and have never been in the position of having to teach at multiple schools just
to support myself (although I do teach at multiple schools). That said, I also
realize that I am not being paid what I am worth, especially given the number
of hours I devote to my teaching practice. I don’t resent the time itself, and
I totally love converting students from arts unaware to devotees. However, in
practical terms, because of my part-time status and pay, I should be paying
close attention to the amount of time I spend on teaching duties. Hard to do I
admit.
So, Colleen has conceived of this
exhibit to highlight the hungry months of the adjunct artist – summer- when
most are not teaching and not receiving a paycheck. The hope is that some of
you might visit this show and perhaps make a purchase. I want to emphasize that
the artists participating are skilled in a variety of media and that if you
come you will experience a visual feast.
“Feed the Adjuncts” will take place
on Friday, May 20 from 6-10 pm at Divisible Studios in the Front Street
complex, 1001 E 2nd Street, Building 100, 2nd floor,
downtown Dayton. Enter through the door marked B-C.
Participating Artists: Nicholaus Arnold, Wesley Berg, Matthew
Burgy, Clara Coleman, Leesa Haapapuro, Sara Janowski, Ashley Jude Jonas,
Colleen Kelsey, Jean Koeller, James Luckett, Edmund Merricle, Marsha Pippenger,
Francis Schanberger, Frank Travers
“Feed the Adjuncts” is planned in collaboration with Wesley Berg Studios. This pop-up exhibition space is donated by artist and Divisible Gallery Director Jeff Cortland Jones.
“Feed the Adjuncts” is planned in collaboration with Wesley Berg Studios. This pop-up exhibition space is donated by artist and Divisible Gallery Director Jeff Cortland Jones.
If you want more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1028202993918647/
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
DETAIL, THE LIGHT OVERCOMES, PAPIER COLLE ON CANVAS
