VCU painting and printmaking professor recognized by Southeastern College Art Conference

By Malorie Burkett

RICHMOND, Va. – Reni Gower, associate professor in Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Painting and Printmaking, recently was awarded the 2003 Southeastern College Art Conference (SECAC) Award for Outstanding Exhibition and Catalog of Contemporary Materials for her traveling exhibition and catalog, “Convergence.”

“Convergence” brings together five female artists, including Gower, who established careers working in different media and found different methods to express their individual concerns and artistic interests. The exhibition also highlights twenty years of professional experience, insight and friendship. 

"It's a fascinating exhibition and catalog because of the way it links women artists who also balance careers at universities and whose teaching influences their art,” said Richard Toscan, Ph.D., dean of VCU’s School of the Arts.

Despite the diversity of media represented in the exhibition, the title suggests a common focus, according to the artist. “’Convergence’ is an important exhibition that celebrates the work of five artists who have chosen the visual arts as a vehicle for contemplation,” Gower said. “It offers a respite from a fragmented popular culture as it confirms a less cynical and more hopeful worldview.”

Heather M. Harvey, a graduating senior from the VCU Department of Painting and Printmaking, also was recognized by SECAC for her significant contributions as the designer of the catalog.

“Convergence” is now at the Ewing Gallery at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In May-July 2004, it will conclude its travels at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, S.C. The exhibit began at the Erie Art Museum in Erie, Pa., in March 2003 and was on display at the Gallery at Carillon in Charlotte, N.C. in May and July of this year.

SECAC is a non-profit organization made up of twelve states in the Southeast that seeks to promote art in higher education through facilitating cooperation among teachers and administrators in universities, colleges, junior colleges, professional art schools and museums. SECAC states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.