On September 12 at 5 p.m., the opening reception showing the artwork of two Elizabethtown College alumni was opened to the public in the Lyet Gallery in Leffler Chapel and Performance Center. Kristina Funk and Tom Yurkovic have shown their art in various galleries throughout Pennsylvania, including one gallery located in Philadelphia. Until Oct. 24, they will be sharing their art with the Etown community.
The artwork takes a variety of forms, showing the true talent of the artists. Large sculptures made of different materials were displayed on the floor while abstract paintings hung on the walls.
Funk, a 2001 graduate, said she originally became interested in art while at Etown through Milton D. Friedly, professor of fine arts, and Associate Professor of Fine Arts Louise E. Schellenberg. Schellenberg knew of Funk’s interest in drawing and encouraged her to pursue art. Schellenberg told her very little background experience is needed to draw, so Funk took a course with Schellenberg. When her peers suggested she take a sculpture class with Friedly, she registered for his course as well. From there, her career as an artist took off.
Funk has explored various styles of art, which is clearly visible in the exhibit. Her displays consist of abstract paintings, photography and sculpture. Two of her intriguing sculpture pieces display humanoid branches standing on a table and tipping over chairs. This curious piece of art is titled, “Are We Going to Survive the Winter?”
She explained many of the pieces which make up her sculptures are ordinary objects that she collects because they catch her eye, whether they are interesting in shape or color. Before she begins to piece together her sculpture, she will draw up a sketch or let her imagination run free. She stated if she makes a drawing of what she wants a sculpture to look like, the end product very rarely turns out the way she imagined.
Yurkovic, a 2008 graduate, is a sculptor who takes universal symbols and items from his childhood to make powerful pieces that he hopes will reach out to the viewers.
Yurkovic did not always imagine himself as an artist. When he began his career in school he originally spent a year studying industrial design before coming to Etown. When Yurkovic began to attend the College, he delved into the fine arts major that Etown offers.
After earning his degree, Yurkovic continued to study on his own. At times he would find himself on blogs or traveling up to New York. He spent time in Philadelphia, visiting new galleries and studying what the main trends in modern art are in an attempt to form his own style.
He grew up around music, thus he incorporates various pieces such as drums and guitars into his artwork. By adding the instrument he hopes the audience can imagine a sound for the sculpture stating that music in itself is sculpture.
Though he grew up as an atheist, Yurkovic is intrigued by the iconography that religion and religious symbols hold and threads religion into much of his artwork. A most pronounced example of this is a crucifix with a drum hanging off a metal beam titled “Halo and Throne.”
“When people look at my art I’m hoping they walk away with more questions than answers,” Yurkovic said.
Both artists were clear about the fact that the viewer is the one who ultimately decides what a piece of art shall represent. Funk may sometimes lead a helping hand by creating a narrative, but the viewer will need to bring their own experiences and opinions to interpret what a piece of art is trying to say.
Funk’s and Yurkovic’s artwork are pieces that inspire the imagination and will sometimes raise more questions than answers. Each person will have their own understanding of this art when they visit this gallery.
