BEMIDJI, Minn. (Jan. 8, 2010) — Painter Holly Wong will present an exhibition entitled “TESTIMONY” in the Talley Gallery of the Education Arts Complex on the campus of Bemidji State University from Wednesday, Jan. 13 through Friday, Feb. 5.

Wong’s work is a reflection of her 15 years of experience working with non-profit organizations and writing extensively on the topic of war and unfair working conditions and labor practices. Her exhibition, comprised of acrylic and oil slick paintings and drawings, reflects the suffering of people who have experienced the destructive influences of those forces.

Wong graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute with a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts in 1993 and 1995, respectively.

“Art has always been my voice of resistance, my way of making a contribution as a world citizen,” Wong said. “In its best moment, art allows us to be more humane and fully aware, and it is the ability to imagine another’s experience of pain that is the first step towards forging real change. My artistic intention is to bear witness to suffering, to transform society by serving as a mirror. As an artist I invoke a visual language to inspire people to feel more deeply for those in their community, and the world abroad.”

Located in room 212 of the Education Arts building on the campus of Bemidji State University, the Talley Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is barrier-free and is open at no charge to the public.

For more information, contact Talley Gallery Director Laura Goliaszewski at (218) 755-3708.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Jan. 13 – Feb. 5 – Bemidji State University’s Talley Gallery presents “TESTIMONY,” an exhibit of paintings and drawings by Holly Wong. Opening reception Wednesday, Jan. 13, noon-3 p.m.. Information and gallery hours: Laura Goliaszewski, (218) 755-3708.

ON THE WEB
• Talley Gallery: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/visual_arts/galleries/gallery_talley.php