BUCKHANNON — ART26201 held the opening for THE THINGS WE CARRY, a solo exhibition by artist Priscilla Roggenkamp, earlier today at the M.I.B. GALLERY in the Colonial Arts Center. To see the exhibit, the M.I.B. GALLERY will be open to the public from 4-8 p.m. on August 21, 27, and 28; and September 3, 4, 10, and 11.

Those attending the opening Friday, Aug. 20, heard an inspiring presentation by the artist.

About Priscilla Roggenkamp:
Priscilla Roggenkamp is an artist and teacher. She studied at Kent State University (M.F.A.), University of Arkansas (M.Ed.), and Heidelberg College (B.A.), and she lives with her husband Rudy on a farm in Northeast Ohio. She maintains a studio in downtown Alliance, Ohio, and teaches at Ashland University.

Artist’s Earlier Statement:
“Working in the studio is a collaboration with and a tugging between ideas and materials. I have form ideas, but so do my materials. I have skills and techniques to use, but my materials whisper ways they wish to go. I mediate the dialogue between us and hope to arrive at some place of agreement. If things go too smoothly, I may not be pushing hard enough. If they are impossible, I may be asking too much. Satisfaction comes in the arrival at a place of agreement and resolution.”

“In my textile sculptures, I am often asking the question, “What do we carry through life, and how does that affect us?” My sculptures often refer to functional forms used for carrying, such as buckets and luggage. These are containers to be filled and a means of transporting the practical “stuff” needed for many of life’s tasks. The works are often human in scale so that they feel familiar and relatable. But they are decidedly not wearable.”

“With these artworks, I explore the ways in which we carry our loads—with grace, strength, and hope.”