Kellogg Community College will host works by Battle Creek artist Joanna Learner as part of the exhibit, “Reflections,” to be on display at the college’s Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center Nov. 19 through Dec. 14.
The exhibit, which will be free to view and open to the public in the Davidson Center’s Eleanor R. & Robert A. DeVries Gallery, will conclude with a closing reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Davidson Center.
Learner has been active as a studio artist for more than 50 years, 41 of which she has lived in Battle Creek. She said “Reflections” is a retrospective show including about 30 pieces of art produced as early as the 1970s and up through the present, including paintings, ceramic art, photographs and enamels.
“During my journey as an artist, I have chosen to express universal ideas and beliefs that all life is sacred, and I have spoken out for peace and human compassion in many of my works,” Learner said. “I have also focused on the incredible diversity and beauty present in our natural world and want to call attention to our responsibility to protect it from exploitation and destruction.”
In addition to exhibiting internationally and throughout the U.S., Learner has taught art classes at KCC, Western Michigan University and at the Art Center of Battle Creek. In 1987 she designed and constructed the World Hot Air Balloon Championship’s perpetual trophy, which was presented most recently to the new world champion this summer.
For more information about the “Reflections” exhibit, contact Kellogg Community College art professor Ryan Flathau at 269-965-3931 ext. 2559 or at flathaur@kellogg.edu. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
Pictured above is Learner’s acrylic on canvas painting “Beaver Pond.”