College of Fine Arts and Design

March 16, 2011

Helen Shirk, an internationally-renowned metalsmith and retired head of the jewelry and metalwork program at San Diego State University (SDSU), will present a public lecture hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma's Department of Art at 7 p.m., March 29 in the UCO Education Building Auditorium, Room 115.  

Shirk is a metalworker well-recognized for her large, richly-colored copper vessels that draw on the power and diversity of the natural world for inspiration and meaning.

In her lecture, she will provide an overview of the development of her work from 1970 to the present, discussing the changes in it over the years and the events and influences that lead to those changes.

Central Art Department Chair Charleen Weidell studied under Shirk for her graduate studies in jewelry and metalsmithing at SDSU. Weidell also exhibited with Shirk last year at SDSU.

"Helen is a mentor, colleague and friend, and I've been looking forward to having her as a guest at Central and also to having her meet my students," said Weidell.

"I know she'll have a lot of good advice for students about studio practices and careers in art."

As part of her visit to Central, Shirk will also be conducting a two-day workshop for art students on her technique of using Prismacolor on metal.

"This is a technique that makes her work unique and a skill that students have been asking to learn more about," said Weidell.

The lecture is free to attend; however, the workshop is only open to Central art students.

For more information, contact Central's Department of Art at (405) 974-5201.

For a complete schedule of College of Fine Arts and Design performances and events, visit www.uco.edu/cfad/event.