Turner Art Exhibition to Honor Creative Process of Book in Common Author, William Kamkwamba

Feb. 28 – April 10, 2011

In the 2010-2011 community book in common, "The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind," author William Kamkwamba explains in great detail how he used discarded junk found around his destitute African village to create an electricity-generating windmill.

To honor Kamkwamba's creativity, the Turner Print Museum exhibit February 28-April 10, Ingenuity: Thinking Creatively, will use prints from the collection that demonstrate the artistic creative process as well as evidence of invention.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Russell Mills, professor in CSU, Chico's Department of Civil Engineering, will give a talk Thursday, March 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Turner about the creative and artistic thinking process that takes place in invention. A reception will follow.

Ingenuity: Thinking Creatively will encompass a variety of print styles -- lithography, etching, serigraphy, photo influenced prints and collage. It will feature works by artists that reflect a variety of time periods spanning more than six centuries and 40 countries.

Prints from local artists Marion Epting and Claudia Steel will be featured as well as those by Claes Oldenburg, Giovanni Piranesi (1720-1778), African American artist Warrington Colescott, Russell Gordon, British pop artist Joe Tilson, and many others.

Kamkwamba's story and visit to Chico April 14 ties into the exhibition because of the creative process it took him to develop a tool that aided a social need, said Turner curator Catherine Sullivan. Kamkwamba had an idea that leads forward toward a resolution of benefit on many levels.

"He had to have a visionary sense in his discovery and completion that is complementary to what visual artists do," said Sullivan. "Life and art are creative processes we all share. We also benefit by inventions that are evidence of the creative process that enrich our lives."

The works chosen for the exhibition were selected based on artistic statement, she said.

"Our exhibitions are an opportunity to view art by someone you may not have seen before, but adds depth and resonance to the understanding of visual literacy and the chance to make new discoveries."

The gallery will be open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and also during the same time period on Sunday, April 10. The exhibition was originally scheduled to close April 1 but was extended to April 10 so that it could be part of CSU, Chico's Founder's Week celebration.

Prints that are part of this exhibition will also be displayed in Ayres Hall, behind Laxson Auditorium, on the first floor in hallway cases.

The Turner Print Museum is located in Meriam Library on the CSU, Chico campus. Hours are 11-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call Sullivan at 898-4476 or email csullivan@exchange.csuchico.edu to arrange for viewing by large groups and outside regular hours.

In addition, prints as part of this exhibition will be displayed in Ayres Hall, behind Laxson Auditorium on the first floor in hallway cases.