Spiva exhibit shares memories of Fall in the Ozarks

(From Southern News Service)

“Fall in the Ozarks,” an exhibition featuring the work of artist Michael Ashley, will open Monday, Nov. 4, in Missouri Southern State University’s Spiva Art Gallery.

Ashley, an associate professor of art at the College of the Ozarks, will present an artist talk at 2 p.m. Monday, followed by a reception at 3 p.m.

He has a BA in painting and ceramics from College of the Ozarks and a Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from the University of Mississippi. He spent a year in Taiwan, where he did a pottery residency at Tainan National University for the Arts, and has taught at Missouri State University, the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, and the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn.

His work, which is inspired by the Ozarks’ beautiful landscapes, has been exhibited regionally and nationally.

“As I return to the Ozarks, my inspiration has turned from nostalgic memories of childhood exploring the lakes and rivers in Southwest Missouri and Northern Arkansas to new experiences; visiting the same locations and building present memories that become ideas translated into materials like clay, ink and paint,” Ashley says in a statement. “Comprised almost entirely of new work, I hope to share moments of creation and inspiration from my homecoming with you.

“I am honored and blessed to rejoin this community to learn, teach and grow in the Ozarks.”

The Spiva exhibit will run through Nov. 21. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; admission is free and open to the public.