In celebration of the vast talent that the fine arts adjuncts here at Kean has to offer, the James Howe Art Gallery opened its doors to an exhibition filled with decades of experience and a multitude of diverse perspectives. The Fine Arts Adjunct Facility Exhibition features 30 adjuncts from different backgrounds, each displaying an original piece to demonstrate their style and talents. More than just an in-depth look into these professors' talents, this gallery serves as a bridge between instructor and student body, allowing the campus to see first hand what the mentor has to offer including aspects of art they may bring to the classroom. Some professors seized the moment and served as a direct link to that bridge. "I attended the opening and I had my 2 D Design students join me. The faculty exhibition is an important learning experience for students," says Professor Mona Brody who showcased her piece, Deconstructed Purple - an encaustic combined with oil and charcoal.

The collection is an assembly of different and mixed mediums ranging from the classic oil on canvas, to the unconventional, yet unique combination of polystyrene, fiberglass, ink, brass, and beeswax. That specific combination is in the piece entitled Pelele, by Professor Joan-Marie Permison.
"I work with a variety of materials and like to combine them to create interesting textures and color," Permison says. "Lately, I'm exploring the use of mold making with plastics, acrylics and silicone rubbers."

Some of the other mediums used are acrylic, silk screening, hand colored wood, a combination of fiber glass and metal, digital print, furniture, and even video. While the exhibition does not have a general focus on the theme of the works displayed, they are connected through a celebrated pride and admiration for the adjuncts fine arts adjuncts that grace our university.

With so many of the works stemming from whole collections themselves, it is no wonder some of the professors were quite particular about which one piece could embody their style and vision. When making the choice of which to show, Professor Paul Bonelli said this about his piece A History of Art:

"I debated between a few, but decided on this one because the bold colorful design looks good from a distance and has the kind of complexity and detail that draws viewers in and gives them a lot to look at and interpret."

Special thanks were given directly by many of the thankful adjunct professors involved to Professor Jane Thompson George who did an amazing job in organizing and installing the show. The opening ceremony took place on September 15; the exhibition will run until October 23, 2009. The visiting hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Some of the artists displaying at the exhibit have included their resumes listing their past showings, both group and solo; previous teaching experience; and artist's statements.