Visual arts in evidence at Central Lakes College feature two- and three- dimensional creativity among students through a full range of courses and professionally adjudicated competition showcased in the Central Lakes College Gallery.
Studio arts such as drawing, watercolor painting, ceramics, and photography build understanding of self and the human landscape of emotion.
Award-winning, professional instruction provides Central Lakes College students with exposure to a world of visual expression through classes and activities that stimulate and enrich. Mic Stowell is a veteran CLC instructor with international credentials and recognition from Minnesota College Faculty for artistic excellence. He brings experience as a senior artist in residence (Portland, Ore.), symposium participant (Poland), and exhibitor (Croatia, Australia, Scotland, England and domestic sites).
Students have the opportunity to explore culture, technology, and nature through a host of instructional and co-curricular opportunities arranged by artist-instructors. These guest artists exhibit their work in the CLC Gallery and often present slide lectures that offer insight into the creative origins and rationale for one’s art career.
The guest lecturers invited to share their works at CLC have included Amy Rice, Ann Klefstad, Colin Kopp, Michael Wong, Carol Weiler, Laura Migliorino, Gina Dabrowski, and Robert Mattson, to name a few.
Through field trips to urban galleries and museums plus on-campus residencies by these gifted artists, students develop skills that enable them to produce art and experience the creative, decision-making process. Unique exhibits, such as rare Ojibwe photographs, may be combined with college programming such as Cultural Thursday to expand the breadth and depth of understanding.
Whether the student explores autumn landscape photography, American Indian art, the history of art, or independent study, the goal is further appreciation for tools and media, the elements that reflect a conscious thought process with sensual reward.
Courses taught by working artists communicate the essentials and the enhancements to be found in black and white, color, landscape, wildflower, and digital photography, drawing, watercolor painting, and ceramics. The curriculum includes surveys of art history to chart human creativity as well as exploration of multicultural art from around the world.
Students may also examine selected topics of interest on demand and also explore to a greater degree one’s personal affinity for paintings, drawings, prints, photography, ceramic works, sculpture, fiber, metal, glass, and mixed media through independent study.
Central Lakes College Studio Arts support the college mission to build futures by assessment of progress. One means to recognize the effort is the annual Juried Student Art Show that culminates each academic year. Professional artists thoughtfully review each submitted piece and offer critiques to deepen the student artist’s appreciation for expression.
The CLC graduate who has devoted time to creativity in studio arts may apply the knowledge as an art educator or career professional in a craft of choice. At the least, the experience in art at CLC should foster a higher level of intellectual engagement.
Mic Stowell
Mic Stowell has been teaching studio art at Central Lakes for almost twenty years. His previous work experience includes three years teaching public school, and seven years as director of Khiele Gallery at St Cloud State University. Stowell earned a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and both a Master of Arts, and Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University. In addition to teaching, Stowell is an active practicing artist. He has been an artist-in-residence at the Oregon College of Art and Craft, Portland, Oregon and at Illinois Wesleyan University. He has also participated in several international ceramic symposia at Panevezys, Lithuania, Walbrzych, Poland, and Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition Stowell has exhibited in numerous national and international exhibitions, including winning first place in 3-D in the Essential Art Show at the Paramount Arts Center in St. Cloud. mstowell@clcmn.edu Office: 218.855.8188
Master of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and both a Master of Arts, and Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University. In addition to teaching, Stowell is an active practicing artist. He has been an artist-in-residence at the Oregon College of Art and Craft, Portland, Oregon and at Illinois Wesleyan University. He has also participated in several international ceramic symposia at Panevezys, Lithuania, Walbrzych, Poland, and Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition Stowell has exhibited in numerous national and international exhibitions, including winning first place in 3-D in the Essential Art Show at the Paramount Arts Center in St. Cloud.