New exhibition at UWSP’s Carlsten Art Gallery draws from private collections and celebrates the pers

An inspiring new exhibition at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Carlsten Art Gallery shines a light on all the many ways acquiring and owning original artwork can bring joy to one’s life.

The exhibition “Community Collects | Art & Stories of Acquisition” runs from Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Friday, Dec. 5. An opening reception will be held Thursday, Nov. 6 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The gallery, located on the second floor of the Noel Fine Arts Center, is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The show’s concept is as much about the personal stories behind the art as it is the art itself. Several dozen members of the Stevens Point community were invited to participate, including community advocates and volunteers, educators, politicians, artists and business leaders. All were asked to loan a single piece of original artwork from their private collection along with the story behind their acquisition.

Works displayed in art galleries are often selected by the artist and the gallerist working in partnership. Carlsten Art Gallery Director Kyle Knoke says these circumstances were different.

“With all the people involved in this show, there really was no opportunity for curating,” said Knoke. “It was a fingers-crossed, come-what-may kind of situation.” The result is an interesting and eclectic mix of diverse work from many different artists from Wisconsin and from around the world. “The personal stories from the collectors are heartfelt and revealing and illustrate just how powerful having original artwork in one’s life can be.”

Original artwork created by human hands can be a profound marker for our emotions, periods, and moments in life. It is the gallery’s hope that visitors not only enjoy the exhibition for its esthetic value but also find inspiration to collect original artwork whenever opportunities arise.

UWSP students in the School of Design and Communication were also invited to submit a piece of artwork from their budding collections along with their story of acquisition for display in Carlsten’s adjacent Schneider Student Gallery.

Support for this exhibition is provided by the UWSP Foundation.

The Carlsten Art Gallery features a diverse range of exhibitions, from burgeoning student talent to internationally recognized artists, with themes that explore topics relevant to our campus and Central Wisconsin communities. Carlsten Gallery is a space for engaging displays and community-driven events. As part of UWSP’s College of Fine Arts and Communication, the gallery fosters an environment of creative exploration and academic excellence, guided by a dedicated team of faculty, staff and scholars.