VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

Take a break from the heat this summer and see the exhibition Chuck Schwarz: Wabi-sabi Objects on display Tuesday, June 15 through Thursday, July 8 in the Bosque Gallery at Lone Star College-CyFair.

Schwarz is a studio artist whose work has been exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally, along with receiving many varied commissions. American Craft and Interior Design magazines are among the list of publications showing his work.

The term Wabi-sabi is Japanese in origin and refers to a Buddhist-based comprehensive worldview or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience, said Schwarz. The aesthetic finds beauty in things that are “imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.”

The pieces in this summer show are representative of Schwarz’s work past and present with many reflecting this idea. The objects range from jewelry size to larger sculptural forms and are composed of a variety of materials from gold to rusted steel to found objects. A wide spectrum of processes and techniques has been utilized in their construction.

“I’ve always liked making things. The work was at the end of your finger tips. There’s immediate gratification,” Schwarz said. “When you make an object, there it is, good bad or otherwise.”

With a Master’s of Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University in the art metals program, Schwarz also likes teaching. He has taught workshops at the Museum of Fine Arts Glassell School of Art as well as Houston Community College and Sam Houston University. Among the classes he teaches at LSC-CyFair are design, art metals and sculpture.

“It’s rewarding to be able to encourage students and help them explore and discover the artistic value in themselves and ways of expressing it,” he said.

Come see Schwarz’s “Wabi-sabi Objects” up close this summer and visit with him at a reception set from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 16 or a reception set from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, June 17. Then consider making your own “objects” and register for one of his classes at LSC-CyFair, such as Arts Metal 1 this fall. Art Metals 1 is an introduction to metal fabrication through the study of basic materials and techniques including soldering, riveting, sawing and filing. Students will also learn the proper maintenance and operating procedures of machines and hand tools.

The Bosque Gallery is located in the Center for the Arts building on the Barker Cypress campus at 9191 Barker Cypress. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

For gallery information, go to LoneStar.edu/bosquegallery or call 832.482.1038.

About Lone Star College-CyFair
Lone Star College-CyFair is the 5th comprehensive college in the Lone Star College System. Lone Star College-CyFair is a comprehensive campus at 9191 Barker Cypress Road. Lone Star College-Fairbanks Center is located at 14955 Northwest Freeway. For more information about Lone Star College-CyFair and its programs, call 281-290-3200 or visit the Web site at LoneStar.edu/cyfair.

About Lone Star College System
With more than 62,000 students in credit classes in spring 2010, and a total enrollment of nearly 85,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the second largest and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. LSCS consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.

Pictured: Artist: Chuck Schwarz, Title: Home Sweet Home, Medium: Mixed-media, found objects.