Printmaker to visit USD art department

Her works practically jump off the canvas.

Cerese Vaden, an art professor at the University of Arizona in Tucson, will teach her skills to graduate students of the University of South Dakota art department through a lecture and mini workshops.

To provide students an opportunity to speak with Vaden, Cory Knedler, chair of the art department, chose to bring in Vaden. Vaden will present a lecture, open to the public Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. in room 172 of the College of Fine Arts building.

“I would say people categorize me as a print maker. I am a printmaker and a mixed media artist,” Vaden said.

Vaden said mixed media art combines sculpture, drawing and painting into one piece.

Second-year grad student Michelle St. Vrain said Vaden has been a major influence in the way she views art.

“I considered attending the school where (Vaden) teaches to have the opportunity to work with her,” St. Vrain said.

Vaden said her lecture will include the chance to see how her idea and career as an art professor developed.

“My lecture will be narrative-based and will tell the story behind some of my pieces that (people) wouldn’t get to see otherwise,” Vaden said.

Vaden said the lecture will give people the chance to ask questions.

St. Vrain said she is very excited for Vaden to visit.

“Last fall, my art professor had us write down the artist we would want to come as a visiting artist. I wrote down Vaden’s name,” St. Vrain said. “I hope to understand (Vaden’s) art and her influences from the