Exhibit stresses art fundamentals

By KURT NESBITT

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM--It's all on display--drawings, paintings, ceramics, wire sculpture--and it all represents Jason Jaspersen's art classes at Minnesota Valley Lutheran School.

The MVL exhibit is the final installment in the annual series of student art exhibits hosted at the Kiesling House by the Council for the Arts in New Ulm.

For students, the show's an opportunity to showcase an oil painting of a border collie and it's also a way for CANU to reach out and try to bring more people to the arts, said CANU director Christina Hopp.

"I like to see the progress in students," said Jaspersen. "That's a teacher's cliche, but I love to see it."

This year's show is Jaspersen's second. He said it's smoother this year now that he knows the routine. He admits he just about forgot about it last year.

Much of what's on display represents what Jaspersen calls "the fundamentals"---there are many drawings made with pencil and ink, watercolor paintings, oil paintings, some ceramic work and a wire sculpture of a spiderweb.

He selects the exhibits based upon what he thinks are personal and class best works of art. Just about every subject Jaspersen teaches is represented on the wall with the exception of one--computer-assisted art.

That art form, which uses computer programs and equipment, is in its second year at MVL and classes mostly generate products for the school.

"I guess I like to say that as a teacher, I like to try and emphasize mastery of skill and studying the old masters," said Jaspersen.

Jaspersen said he's also a big fan of modern art but also believes students should have the tools in order to say what they want to say and be able to get the message across clearly.

"I think it gives them the opportunity to show off their talent," said Hopp. "This is the first time for many. It's the only time they've exhibited."

Hopp said the student art series plays an important role to CANU because of its ability to attract people--namely parents of the students--who normally wouldn't stop by the Kiesling House.

"They come to see their child's exhibit and admit they never knew about it. It's a great asset in terms of raising awareness," Hopp said.

The MVL exhibit runs for three weekends starting with a reception from 1-3 p.m. today at the Kiesling House.