Gallery Glimpse: Joe Schaeffer
By Joe Schaeffer
Gallery Director, Asst. Prof. of Graphic Design
University of Sioux Falls
As the fall academic semester comes to an end, I am reminded of what a privilege it is to be the Gallery Director at the University of Sioux Falls (USF). I have served as Gallery Director and Assistant Professor of Graphic Design since the fall of 2020. Though my start began in uncertain times during the pandemic, mostly virtually, every year since seems to get better and better. It’s wonderful having the creative, vibrant energy of students back on campus.
USF has a rich history in the arts, and I feel fortunate to be in a position to help it to continue along its path to success. It has been our focus in the art department to foster as many opportunities as we can for students, as well as provide a space for up-and-coming artists in the surrounding community.
Our line-up of exhibitions at USF in a given year typically consists of:
An annual showing for our art/media faculty and alumni
Student senior art shows
Student work generated from our introductory art courses
Shows featuring local artists
These shows take place in the upper- and lower-level galleries of the Jeschke Fine Arts building and the Mears Library gallery.
In addition to featuring the work of students and art faculty (Ceca Cooper, Nick Poppens, Cody Henrichs), we’ve also had the opportunity to feature the work of local artists such as Janae Porter (painter), Nancy Olive (painter, former art faculty), Emily Larson (painter) and, mostly recently, Cham Phan (photography). Cham’s exhibition included an artist talk with art students on campus.
This coming year, 2023 will include more exciting shows. The first of which, we are very excited about. USF and the artist-led platform Untitled.10 will be partnering in a group show that will feature work of artists from the surrounding community. The show will also feature students from the USF music department whom will be playing jazz during the opening reception. The opening reception will be Feb. 16, 4-6 p.m., in the Jeschke Fine Arts building and will run thru the spring semester.
We look forward to a new year full of possibility and are eager to continue serving our vibrant creative community.