Former VSU student, Mathew McConnell, will return to VSU to have his art displayed from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday in the exhibit at the Fine Arts building

McConnell will host a reception for his display, Everyday Something New, and will also conduct a gallery lecture about his work at 3 p.m. in the gallery.

The Fine Arts department is excited to host their former student.

“His art is exciting, provocative and sure to get people talking,” Julie Bowland, professor of art, said.

McConnell typically produces contemporary art made of clay– however, his art varies.

“The work I produced for my exhibition at VSU is primarily ceramic,” he said “It is comprised of about thirty objects of varying scale and form that will be displayed on a series of tables built specifically for the work.”

His display will include many distinct elements that make up one whole piece.
“There are certain pieces, and I’m thinking here of two small “hook” forms that lie flat on the tables, that seem to revel in their coarseness, humbleness, and lack of purpose or clarity in their role within the larger piece,” McConnell said.
McConnell received a BFA in Studio Art from VSU in 2004, and went on to receive a MFA in Studio Art from the University of Colorado.

McConnell has had studios in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Montana, New Zealand and Arkansas. This will be his first time showing off his art in his former college town.

“After nearly 10 years, it feels like a good time to come back and share some of my experiences and to thank everyone at VSU who put me on this course,” he said.