WWU students exhibit artworks in Siena, Italy

With the help of a visiting professor, Western Washington University Fine Art students are now exhibiting a collection of their work at a gallery in Italy.

Professor Piergiacomo Petrioli came to Western last September to deliver a lecture on his current topic of research, and after seeing the artwork of some of WWU students, Petrioli suggested that they exhibit their works at a local gallery in Siena. Petrioli, an expert in Medieval and Renaissance Art and Nineteenth Century American and English Criticism of Italian Renaissance, teaches Art History at AHA International – an overseas academic program of the University of Oregon – and is also an art critic.

“Thanks to Professor Petrioli, some of Western’s students are now having the great opportunity to exhibit some of their artworks at an art gallery in Siena. It is, I believe, a wonderful development, and I understand from some e-mails that I have received that there are already some potential buyers,” said Massimiliano Tomasi, WWU professor of Modern and Classical Languages.

The artwork is from advanced students enrolled in printmaking courses taught by WWU lecturer Ben Moreau. The show was organized and curated by senior Art major Tinnel Hillis (Marysville), and includes multiple works by senior art majors Lindsay Kohles (Stanwood), Tim Kenney (Seattle), Hunter Buck (Bozeman, Mont.), Chase Boston (Pullman), Callie Christeson (Boise, Idaho), Teresa Grasseschi (Seattle), and Bess Butterworth (Spokane).

More of the artwork can be viewed online here.

Petrioli came to WWU as a result of the University’s Tuscan Summer of Language and Culture program. This will be the third year that Tomasi will lead the Tuscany program, which will take place June 29-July 27. Participants will learn the language and cultural traditions that make Siena and the Tuscan region one of the most fascinating places in the world.

For information on upcoming WWU study abroad opportunities, visit the International Programs and Exchanges website at http://www.wwu.edu/ipe and for details regarding the Siena program or the artworks, contact Massimiliano Tomasi at Massimiliano.Tomasi@wwu.edu or (360) 650-3339.