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Honoring 28 Years
In honor of Professor of Art Gail Lutsch’s retirement after teaching 28 years at Bethel, one of her former students and adjunct assistant professor of art, Rachel Epp Buller ’96, organized a show of work by other former students as well as colleagues. The show, which was open March 13-April 9 in the Fine Arts Center Gallery, included painting, prints, photography, ceramics and jewelry from former students living as close as Newton, Salina and Kansas City and as far away as Germany, Japan and Poland.
Nathan Abrahams, a 2003 art graduate now teaching in Boulder, Colo., says, “Gail was a great support to me in my years at Bethel. She definitely pushed me to develop my artistic voice, suggesting artists and movements that I found to be very influential.”
Kristin (Ediger) Goering ’92, Fairway, adds, “Gail introduced me to my love of printmaking while I was a senior in high school, and was very influential in my decision to attend Bethel. She continued to influence my art studies at Bethel through many classes, including figure drawing and painting. I enjoyed her not only as a professor but also as a mentor and friend. When I am currently working, I often refer to advice I received from Gail, and at times wish for more.”
Ian Gingrich-Gaylord ’03, Newton, says, “During my time as a student Gail was always approachable and I consistently felt like she was interested in my growth as an artist and enjoyed being around her students generally. Gail forever appreciated being in the milieu of the studio and welcomed her students to infuse the space with their art and personalities.”
“Gail arrived on campus with a fresh perspective that livened up the art department,” says Carolyn (Goertzen) Wedel ’83, Salina. “I took my one and only watercolor class from her during interterm of my senior year, and I have stayed with that medium ever since. It is hard to believe that Gail is retiring and that she has been teaching at Bethel for 28 years. She is leaving some big shoes to fill – probably about a size 10.”
Clockwise from top left: Carolyn A. (Goertzen) Wedel ’83, Sans, Mixed / painted watercolor paper and letter press type; Kristin (Ediger) Goering ’92, Woman in Red Chair, 2008, Monotype; David Kaufman ’98, Four Points, Hammered steel, wood; Ian Gingrich-Gaylord ’03, Baptism, 2007, Oil on canvas; Haylle Chau ’99, Piztros Restaurant, 2006, Architectural design; Nathan Abrahams ’03, Darkness within darkness, the source of all illumination, Mixed media painting. Center: Melissa Tieszen ’98, Untitled, 2006, Paint chip collage. All photos by Vada Snider ’80