Louisiana Artist Exhibits in Milliken Gallery through March 12

A large selection of sculptures by Louisiana artist Mark Grote is on display in Milliken Gallery through  March 12 for an exhibition entitled Is it S, or is it Z?  With this series of work, Grote “intentionally illustrates that one can create several works of art while focusing on and utilizing one simple material.”

“The works draw on references from primitive societies around the world, highlighting the simplicity of object making.”

On Thursday, March 12 at 6 p.m., Grote will give a Gallery Talk focusing on his career and art process. The Gallery Talk will be followed by a reception at 6:30 pm. The exhibit and events are free.

“The works draw on references from primitive societies around the world, highlighting the simplicity of object making,” says Grote. “Most primitive societies have limited material selection provided either by location or by trade. My approach to the exhibition was to imbue one with the other. The sculptures illustrate rope as a tool overlaid with a surface rich in texture and color resonating the ritual.”

Currently a Professor of Visual Arts at Loyola University in New Orleans, Mark Grote has exhibited his work both nationally and internationally. In 1992-93 he received a Fulbright to England as a visiting artist to Exeter College of Art and Design. Grote has received numerous grants from the National Endowment of the Arts. His work is included in many public and private collections, including the K & B Collections New Orleans, LA; Virlane Foundation New Orleans, LA; Pan American Life Insurance Company New Orleans, LA; Museum of Art in Alexandria, Louisiana; West Texas Museum in Beaumont, TX; Museum of Art in Jackson, Mississippi; Dayton Museum of Art, Dayton, OH; Hilliard Museum of Art Lafayette, LA; Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile, AL; Meadows Museum, Shreveport, LA; Masur Museum of Art, Monroe, LA; Missoula Museum of Art. Missoula. MT. Grote has exhibited at the Gallery Christian Siret in Paris, France; Gasworks Gallery, London, England; and Sculpture House Gallery, London, England. He has received a Pollock/Krasner grant, Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant, and Atlas grant for LA, Board of Regents. In 2010 he was awarded the Marquette Fellowship from Loyola University.

Gallery hours: Monday—Friday 9:00 am—5:00 pm, Sunday 2:00—5:00 pm. The gallery is closed during school holidays.