Collage as a concept can take many forms. To build, to develop, to transform—these ideas are inherent in collage but can manifest themselves in various ways.

For James Zver, collage is at the root of his artistic practice, which includes mixed media paper-based works, wood constructions, wall reliefs and freestanding sculpture. Zver's approach is elegant and playful, combining thoughtful color palettes and meticulous craftsmanship, resulting in visual curiosities that are minimal, but richly satisfying.

Karin Skiba utilizes found images along with mixed media drawing and painting to suggest narratives that reflect her journeys—both physical and emotional. Layers of carefully selected photos intermingle with colors, textures and marks that are at times quirky and whimsical, or alternately, nostalgic and contemplative.

Patricia Liverman recycles paint in unexpected ways. Dried and skinned from its twodimensional surface, paint becomes a collage material in itself, used in the rebirthing of new paintings or assembled into constructed sculptures. One forgets they are looking at paint, because its function has been so cleverly appropriated.

In the paintings and digital images of Francisco Alvarado, literal collage is rarely found. Instead, formal elements of pattern, color and gesture are layered in dynamic, intuitive ways. The compositions evoke either places or states of mind. Alvarado often digitizes his paintings, using them as the first layer in what we might call cyber-collages. In other instances, the digital process inspires new paintings, thus creating a cycle of cross-referencing between technology and tradition.

Each of these artists engages in a process that reflects the nature of collage, a transformative experience capable of unexpected conclusions.

The Kellogg University Art Gallery and the Cal Poly Pomona community welcome artists Jim Zver, Karin Skiba, Patricia Liverman, and Francisco Alvarado for each of their solo exhibitions which open Monday, July 7 and run through Aug 16, 2014. The opening reception is Saturday, July 12 from 3-6pm, with an artists' talk at 4:45pm. The opening reception is open to the public.

Curated by:
Quinton Bemiller

Exhibit Coordinated by:
Michele Cairella Fillmore, Director of the Kellogg and Huntley University Art Galleries

Announcement Design by:
Tyler Stewart, Gallery Assistant and Graphic Designer