Coburn Gallery to feature retrospective exhibition of Ashland artist Nov. 12-Dec. 17

ASHLAND, Ohio – The Coburn Art Gallery and Ashland University Department of Art and Design will be hosting “Reflections and Connections,” a retrospective exhibition featuring Ashland artist Susan Shafer, from Thursday, Nov. 12, through Thursday, Dec. 17. The exhibition kicks off with an opening reception Nov. 12 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Admission is free, and the gallery is open to the public.

“Reflections and Connections” draws from Shafer’s studio practice which spans more than 60 years in multiple mediums and visual traditions. Her art reflects her world, both past and present, through visions and revisions, and often includes figures, elements from nature and visual symbols. Shafer is drawn to materials that allow her to experiment and make changes as she works, including graphite, charcoal, pastel, collage and paint. By layering, erasing, rearranging and reworking these materials, she can explore different ideas and let her work evolve throughout the creative process.

Shafer’s work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the United States, including at the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus and the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio, as well as galleries in Alabama, Missouri and Virginia.

Shafer was an art educator in Ohio public schools for many years, including Ontario Local Schools in Mansfield, Hillsdale Local Schools and South Euclid-Lyndhurst City Schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, a bachelor of fine arts from Ashland University and a master of arts from Miami University.

The Coburn Gallery is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and noon-4 p.m. on weekends. For more information, contact Cynthia Petry at cpetry@ashland.edu or 419-289-5652.