Exhibit brings together works of faculty, 'pivotal' mentor

January 23, 2024 (Volume 47, Number 11)
Article by Thomas Garrett

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Bill Hosterman describes his artwork to an Art Gallery visitor during the reception for 'Full Circle: Teaching, Creating, and Curating.'

Photo Credit: Thomas Garrett

Bill Hosterman and Kathy Caraccio, right, are pictured at the reception for the 'Full Circle: Teaching, Creating, and Curating' exhibit.

Photo Credit: Thomas Garrett

Bill Hosterman, Polar, 2022, wood printing, relief, and intaglio

Photo Credit: courtesy of GVSU Art Gallery

Kathy Caraccio, Dutch Rose I, 1972, etching collage; 'Full Circle: Teaching, Creating, and Curating' will remain on exhibit at the GVSU Art Gallery through March 29. 

Photo Credit: courtesy of GVSU Art Gallery

Currently on exhibit at the GVSU Art Gallery is the sabbatical work of professor Bill Hosterman and the artist he called a "pivotal influence" in his career.

"Full Circle: Teaching, Creating, and Curating" includes the wood printing, relief and intaglio works by Hosterman, professor in foundations, drawing and printmaking, and a collection of works from Kathy Caraccio’s Printing Studio and Collection in New York City.

The work combines prints from live-edge wood planks with Hosterman’s hand-drawn work that reflects his history and sense of place, growing up and living in the wooded areas of Pennsylvania and Michigan. He said he spent evenings splitting logs as a young boy and the material holds a deep connection to the exhibit's main themes.

“Layered with it is my contribution, which offers an imprint of my instinct as a person and an artist, as well as a reflection and response to the source. The process is highly physical,” Hosterman said.

This collection represents teaching and lifelong learning, starting with the mentorship provided by Caraccio to Hosterman in his early career. He originally met Caraccio as an undergraduate student and returned to her printmaking shop to work as an intern. Hosterman said it was an experience that proved pivotal in his career.

Nathan Kemler, director of galleries and collections, said both Caraccio and Hosterman are active learners who challenge themselves to expand their perspectives and knowledge by looking to others.

“They are also both passionate teachers and established leaders in their field, eager to come alongside others to support their own creative endeavors," Kemler said. "This exchange of knowledge and continued lifelong pursuit of learning is critical for one’s well-being and the broader health of the communities we serve."

With a mentorship that has developed over the years, students get the opportunity to witness the learning and sharing of knowledge within a community. The exhibit features museum-quality prints from 27 different artists from Caraccio’s collection, and the work of Hosterman.

“How wonderful that students can see and share in the scholarship of a professor, both in his effort to create artwork born out of ‘history, relationships, place, and meaning’ and in his desire to showcase artwork from his mentor’s collection of over 5,000 works,” said Joel Zwart, curator of exhibitions and collections.

This exhibit will be on display until March 29. To see gallery hours or learn additional details about the artists, visit the Art Gallery website.

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