Satellite Gallery presents EOU Graduate Showcase

NOW SHOWING: Matthew McDonal, “My Time 1”

An opening reception for the show will be 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.

This show will feature work by graduating seniors Matthew McDonal, Christine Heap, Lisa Greif, Lucas Kruse, Ashley Heisler and Emily Chartier.

The gallery, at 116 Depot St., has timed this event to coincide with graduation week so that the many visiting family members and friends of graduating seniors will have an opportunity to view the accomplishments of these EOU art students while exploring downtown La Grande.

The show will be open to the public during regular business hours beginning Friday. To view more information about the artists and to see examples of their work visit the gallery’s website: www.satelliteartgallery.com .

Here is a look at some of the artists’ statements, seriously condensed:

Matthew McDonal

In my work I search and capture the individuality of one’s own identity, including my own. I observe people, which I imagine that most of us do: how they talk, carry themselves and their personalities, which can bring an influence, whether it is good or bad.   

Christine Heap

This work has emerged from my desire to share personal thoughts and experiences in a form of self-portraiture using only my hands as the subject. Hands can show the nature of a person simply by viewing their movements and the way they rest. Hands can be used for healing as well as for tools. They can give a gentle touch and yet be the administrators of pain; or tenderness and cruelty.

Lisa Greif

My current body of work focuses on the relationship between politeness and self-inhibition. I am interested in examining how people negotiate between considering the needs of others and asserting personal boundaries. All too often, I choose the well-laid path of compulsory niceness at the expense of honest communication and self-protection. While this is a struggle embedded in my own identity, I am interested in examining its connection to social pressures and broader human dilemmas.

Lucas Kruse

Isolation and pop culture education informs my work, and helps me create stark graphic images that emphasize an emotional distance between people, and the world around them. 

Ashley Heisler

My interests lie in the rituals that every person has, daily rituals, yearly traditions, as well as the annual family get-togethers. I think what people don’t realize is how important these things are.

Emily Chartier

My new body of work reflects how injury can be related to the five stages of grieving: depression, denial, anger, bargaining and acceptance. I use these stages as a description of the emotional transformations created when I had to come to grips with a permanent injury