Grace College Exhibits ‘Ecology Collages’ By Artist Brenda Miller

Brenda Miller, a Michigan-based artist, and career graphic designer will exhibit her works from her series, “Ecology Collages,” from Oct. 19 – Dec. 11 at the Art Gallery of Mount Memorial Hall, 1 Lancer Way, Winona Lake.

Miller creates her two-dimensional collage artwork from vintage maps and the antique decorative pages from art historical texts. Her detailed application of precision-cut shapes form illusions of botanical gardens and Renaissance tapestries. Much like the assembled pieces of a quilt, each fragment displays the artist’s care for our planet as she considers how to preserve its future for our children.

Miller was inspired by her years living by the Rocky Mountains and in Michigan. “The surrounding environment has shaped my love of nature’s beauty and my interest in creating art, for which I am grateful,” said Miller. “This has contributed to my deep desire to support and protect the natural world.”

Kim M. Reiff, chair of the Visual, Performing, and Media Arts department at Grace College, is thrilled to display Miller’s art for students to learn from and enjoy.

“Through Brenda’s artwork, we see an artist in the role of caretaker,” said Reiff. “Her artwork depicts a medley of images that allows the viewer to contemplate how the individual components fit into the whole composition and, more importantly, fit into the societal conditions taking place that directly affect our fragile ecological systems. The longer the viewer looks, the more the art subtly discloses.”

Miller has studied and worked in the fields of art and design for much of her adult life. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1987. Her work has been exhibited locally and published on the cover of the Ann Arbor Observer.

Reiff will give an artist talk on Miller’s work in the Mount Memorial Art Gallery on Oct. 28, at 4 p.m. The community is invited to attend.

Miller’s exhibit is open to all without charge Oct. 19 – Dec. 11. Gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 1 – 4 p.m. For more information, call the Grace College Department of Visual, Performing, and Media Arts at 574-372-5100 ext. 6022 or email vpma@grace.edu. The exhibit is ADA accessible.

For more information about the Department of Visual, Performing, and Media Arts, visit www.grace.edu/academics/undergraduate/academic-schools-departments/sc/department-of-visual-performing-and-media-arts/.