PNC Art Collection Features Works of Jason Poteet

WESTVILLE –Purdue University North Central is featuring a Legacy Collection of the work of artist Jason Poteet on display at PNC in the Library-Student-Faculty Cyber Cafe, Room 114, off the first floor foyer. This permanent collection may be viewed by the public without charge, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guests visiting the campus for “Find Provence Here! A Celebration of Arts, Culture and The Good Life Along Lake Michigan’s Riviera!” can enjoy activities that run from July 7 through Aug. 21. They are encouraged to stop in to see the unique works of art, enjoy the Provence activities and relax in the Cyber Café. The café features comfortable furnishings and a number of computer booths available for students to check email, write papers or surf the web.

The Provence event features a variety of on- and off-campus events and activities celebrating the arts and culture, cuisine, leisure, learning, hospitality and natural beauty of LaPorte County and the Michiana Region. The Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City, NIPSCO and The News-Dispatch of Michigan City are major partners of the festival.

A graduate of Marquette High School in Michigan City and Indiana University, Poteet attended the Herron Art School in Indianapolis. Through his vibrantly colored abstract paintings, Poteet strives to create translations of places, people and his personal experiences. His paintings have been widely exhibited throughout the Midwest and are included in private and corporate collections across the nation.

Poteet had been scheduled to attend a Morgan Stanley Investments training program in New York City in September, 2001, in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. On Sept. 6, 2001 his training session was postponed, ensuring he was not in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. He volunteered his time at Ground Zero and returned home with new inspiration for his paintings. He has a series of art named, “New York, New York.”

Poteet describes the art on display at PNC:

“Thicket II" - dealing with a problem and getting caught up in something one can't seem to get out of. It's also about seeing through the problem and thus the warm, inviting background color.

"Strafe"- a translation of everything going on in the world. Even though the issues are serious, Poteet made it more lighthearted and humorous to convey that the world is going to be a better place.

"Night Flight" - is about escape from a situation or state of mind.

"Tea for Two"- depicts relationships between men and women. Inspired by a friend's divorce and how two people may be so close one day and never speaking again the next. Multiple tea cups represent the many relationships we have throughout our lives.

"Tea for Two II" - shows the same concept, but the composition is turned 90 degrees to represents how things can change. The colors much colder, to convey the emotion of loss.

"Central Park" - a simple Abstract Impressionist" painting dealing with Central Park. Based on an early fall day Poteet spent there in 2002, he made the sketch of the painting on The Mall and painted it from that sketch.

"Hearsay" - is based on rumors and how people will hear only part of a story and embellish that piece of information, shown by the parts of letters in the painting. The large letters illustrate the power of rumors and how they affect one's life.

"Ground Zero IV" - is based on his time spent at Ground Zero. The Red Cross causes an immediate reaction to most people, regardless of their language. They know the Red Cross means emergency. The circles in the piece signify the resilience of the human spirit and rebirth.

A complete schedule of Provence events is available at www.pnc.edu/provence.

Further information about this exhibit and the Provence event can be obtained by contacting Judy Jacobi , PNC director of marketing at 219-872-5593 (800-872-1231, ext. 5593, Indiana only). Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Carol Connelly at ext. 5267.       

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