Gallery Opening

Meet the President Opening Remarks August 24 2006

Good evening. My name is Seamus Reilly and I am the Chair of the Fine and Applied Arts department here at Parkland College. I would like to welcome you all to the Faculty Art and Design exhibit in this the 25th anniversary season. I would like to thank Carl Meyer and Julie McGown from the Parkland College Foundation for their sponsorship of this reception, Dr. Tom Ramage for his support of improvements to the gallery, Lisa Costello, Art Gallery Director, and Emily Klein for the wonderful work they have done in setting up the show, Paul Young for his design of the poster and invitation cards, and Jordan Kaye and friends for their music.

It is a distinct honor and pleasure to formally welcome Dr. Robert Exley and his wife Anita to the Parkland Art community. During his visit with us last spring, Dr. Exley told us about a creative artist in Miami who was developing a variety of interesting pieces on the campus. He was confronted by a lover of plain concrete who told him that he was doing violence to the campus. The artist brilliantly replied, "No, violence is the absence of art."

In telling that story, President Exley gives us an insight into his own understanding of the importance of art as a means of communication. Artists put into action the lessons that we teach our students: Never stop learning; be passionate and care deeply; take risks in pursuit of your visions.

George Bernard Shaw wrote that "Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable." I believe that the works on display here today make the world a brighter and more bearable place.

We are immensely proud of The Parkland College Art Gallery, which has received recognition from the Illinois Arts council, and is a beautiful space to view works of art. The gallery also performs an important role by showcasing Parkland faculty and student work as well as other artists from throughout the country. The Gallery also serves as an important civic and community outreach for Parkland College.

The exhibit tonight teases us out of our mundane world and asks us to look at ordinary objects a little differently. It allows us the freedom to imagine the world in different colors, from different angles, using different materials. Our artists open themselves up to us and help us to understand life experiences through their brilliant and creative depictions of their own experiences.

Pablo Picasso said that "The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls" and we invite you, President Exley, to regularly join with us and be refreshed in your enjoyment of our artists' works.