Rinsing The Sun, by: Carol Flueckiger

On display April August 7 – December 13, 2024

The MSC Visual Arts Committee announces the opening of Rinsing the Sun, by: Carol Flueckiger! The exhibit is on display in the Reynolds Gallery from August 7 – December 13, 2024.

About the Artist: Carol Flueckiger is a mixed-media artist whose work delves into feminist history, weather, and geography. Her signature technique builds on cyanotype, a light-sensitive chemical that she blends with drawing and painting. To see a video of her process, visit tx.ag/SolarPoweredPainting.

American feminist history informs the bicycle imagery in her artwork. Bicycles became a symbol of individuality during the women’s suffrage movement because women could travel independently, without a chaperone. The process of using sunlight links her work to sustainability, environmental awareness and the rugged west Texas landscape she calls home.

Flueckiger teaches in the School of Art at Texas Tech University and her work is represented by Charles Adams Gallery in Lubbock, Texas. Her research draws from institutions such as the Library of Congress, the American Antiquarian Society, Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Freedom Solar Corporation, and Solar Energy International. Flueckiger holds a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Minnesota and an MFA in Painting from the University of New Mexico.

Message from the Artist: Sun and wind are abundant within the flatlands of northwestern Texas where I live. These flatlands are within the Llano Estacado, one of the largest mesas on the North American continent. I think of the Llano Estacado as the world’s largest light table because it is an environment that is more light than land, more sky than earth, and more horizon than pavement. In my mixed-media bicycle paintings, I use sunlight, water, paint, and ink to create layered surfaces inspired by this landscape. For example, I use cyanotype to sunburn negative space into watercolor paper that I rinse in a bath of tea. When the paper has dried, I draw with a continuous line to connect elements in the background with elements in the foreground. Titles such as Mostly Sunny Skies, Rinsing the Sun, and Fire King Aquifer are inspired by the daily weather forecasts of this semi-arid landscape.

Message from the Weather:

Dear Flatlands,

Nature is still in love with Courage. For their Fossil Water Anniversary, Nature has directed Solar Punk and Solar Energy to create a playlist based on the daily weather forecast. Courage has asked Aquifer and Playa Wetlands to be in charge of drinks. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bicycle). Sunshine and Wind are pedaling through my garden hose like the sun/water cycle “Turn the light switch off to conserve water. Turn the faucet off to conserve energy.” Relic Prairie is wearing shade under a tumbleweed crown.

Love, 

Chances of Rain

Learn more about the artist at carolflueckiger.com or @fluckigerc

Practice What We Teach

The MSC Visual Arts Committee invited art educators from 26 Brazos Valley school districts, plus numerous art studios in the area, to submit examples of their own work for Practice What We Teach, On display between April 24 – July 31, 2024.

This exhibition invites you to explore the minds and talents of Brazos Valley’s dedicated art educators. We are honored to showcase an exciting collection of pieces from individuals who impart knowledge and spark creativity in schools and art studios in our community. Here, they step out of the classroom to reveal their own artistic voices.

Art education has a fascinating history that spans centuries. In the seventeenth century, drawing was considered an integral part of a basic elementary school curriculum, alongside reading, writing, singing and playing a musical instrument. An art education laid the foundation for visual expression and creativity. Today, art education continues to evolve, adapting to societal changes, new technologies, and shifting perspectives about the role and impact of art.

As supporters and lovers of the arts, the students of the MSC Visual Arts Committee believe art education plays a pivotal role in shaping well-rounded, adaptable, and culturally aware individuals. Art education goes beyond teaching technique: it nurtures socio-emotional skills. Through artistic expression, students learn empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence—skills that are essential for thriving in a complex global society (UNESCO, 2024). Engaging with art provides an outlet for self-expression and reduces stress, but it also teaches children how to give and receive feedback constructively (Warner, 2022). Studies show that students engaged in arts programs tend to perform better academically. (Kisida, 2019)

In summary, art educators teach students valuable life experiences. They encourage collaboration, communication, and teamwork while teaching skills that enhance cognitive abilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Art is about nurturing curious minds, fostering empathy, and preparing students for a dynamic future.