School of Art Presents M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition With Richard Peterson's 'Ice Cream'

Mathew McConnel

Ceramic Sculpture, 6x8x1.25"

The School of Art at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce the 2018 series of M.F.A. Thesis Exhibitions, featuring culminating solo shows from third-year M.F.A. candidates.

These exhibitions showcase the works by the Master of Fine Arts candidates and celebrate the final stages of their graduate degree work. Featuring a wide variety of styles and media, the spring exhibitions will be held across campus and the community March through the end of April.

Fine Arts Center Gallery is currently hosting the first thesis exhibition by M.F.A. candidate Richard Peterson.

Peterson's thesis Ice Cream is a series of two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting lawn ornaments, Charlie Brown and novelty ice cream bars, questioning how white America is indoctrinated through seemingly innocuous images and objects.

The artist intends the exhibition to unveil the white supremacy fostered within the American way of life and hopes to articulate the potential environment where Americans act in racist ways when they believe they are acting morally.

 "My ideas of what an art practice can be and consists of has dramatically shifted into something that is more complex than I could have ever imagined," Peterson shared. "I know this has happened due to the environment and dialogue fostered within the School of Art."

Peterson graduates thankful to students, faculty and collegeaus who have helped him look at his work, practice and the way he lives in a different light. He is applying for artist residencies, faculty positions and open to opportunities that will provide an environment to grow his practice.

Ice Cream is on exhibition now through March 9 at the Fine Arts Center Gallery with a closing reception at 5:30 on March 9.

Gallery Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.