The Miami University Art Museum pays tribute to Charles Eugene “Mik” (Mike) Stousland, Jr. in the exhibition Mik Stousland: The Art of Delight, May 14 to June 21.
The opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 5:30 p.m.
A member of Miami University’s Department of Architecture from 1952 to 1985, Mik Stousland, considered himself “a teacher first” and an artist second. Even though his degrees were in architecture and he taught in or chaired that department at Miami University for several years, he also felt compelled to make jewelry, sculpture, prints and holiday cards.
Aside from his role as an architect and teacher, he is best known for his whimsical silver jewelry — pins and pendants of angels, cats, birds and other assorted subjects. Slightly abstracted but always recognizable, this jewelry is minimalist in form but contains the essence of life — a genuine “joie de vivre.”
The sense of delight immediately identifiable in his jewelry is also conveyed in other works, be they a woodcarving, silkscreen, print or a pen drawing.
Mik Stousland: The Art of Delight is a retrospective exhibition that offers a rare opportunity to compare his work across media. Drawn from several private collections, this exhibition marks the first time these objects have been exhibited together.
There will be two special events as part of the Stousland exhibit.
Wear your Stousland to Work Day! and Exhibition Reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28.
As part of the exhibition reception festivities, the art museum will hold a raffle drawing for a Mik Stousland pin. The drawing will occur at the reception. You must be present to win.
There are three ways to get a ticket:
• Wear your own Stousland pin to the opening;
• All museum members will receive one complimentary entry. Memberships range in price from $25 (Miami faculty and staff), $30 (Individual membership) and $60 (Family membership);
• Bring a friend! By bringing a friend to the opening, you will both receive a raffle ticket. You do not have to be a member to attend the opening. This event is free and open to the public.
There will also be a Design Your Own Jewelry Workshop offered on three days, Thursday, June 11; Tuesday, June 16, and Thursday, June 18, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. each day
Inspired by the exhibition, these workshops are for ages 8-11. Design your own piece of jewelry with supplies provided at the workshop. Arrive any time during workshop hours and work at your own pace. It is free and open to the public.
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. For information contact the museum at (513) 529-2232.
