The 2019 M.F.A. Biennial presents the work of 14 students enrolled in the School of Art’s Master of Fine Arts program at Illinois State University. These artists are at various points in the three-year program that is dedicated to helping them “develop a mature body of work by exploring the relationship between active studio practice and rigorous intellectual inquiry.” Their artwork dynamically engages the mediums of painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, glass, video, ceramics, sound, installation, sculpture, and performance.

This is the third M.F.A. Biennial to be held at University Galleries’ space at Uptown Station, providing the local community an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse and fresh talents of the M.F.A. students in the vibrant center of the Town of Normal.

The exhibiting artists are Travis Adams, Jennifer Castanon, Rebecca Frank, Anthony Hamilton, Shahrbanoo Hamzeh, Kirsten Heteji, Chrissy LaMaster, Emily Lehman, Molly Markow, Spencer Molnar, Barrymore Moton, Joshua Roach, Erika Shiba, and Mary Wilhelm.

A public reception with the artists will take place Friday, January 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. and will feature a performance by Josh Roach.

All events are free and open to the public.

Free curator-led tours and workshops are available by appointment throughout the exhibition.

The spring schedule of exhibition and events and additional information is available on the University Galleries website. University Galleries is located at 11 Uptown Circle, Suite 103, at the corner of Beaufort and Broadway streets. Parking is available in the Uptown Station parking deck located directly above the University Galleries – the first hour is free, as well as any time after 5:01 p.m.

Please contact gallery@IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-5487 if you need to arrange an accommodation to participate in any events related to these exhibitions or to schedule exhibition tours.