3 in SUNY Oswego's graduate studio art program to exhibit work at gallery

The fall master of art in studio arts exhibition will start Nov. 21 and continue Nov. 28 to Dec. 3 in Tyler Art Gallery, highlighting the portfolio work of three candidates for December graduation.

An artists' reception for the three graduate students -- Suzanne Gaffney Beason, Jingyuan Duan and Sharon Bottle Souva -- will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at the gallery.

Suzanne Beason

Beason, an autobiographical printmaker, incorporates many forms of printing into her artwork, both with a press and without, and enjoys the physicality and immediacy of finding new materials and methods to express her many artistic passions. Her work takes form after selected materials hit the substrate and lead her in directions that inspire her to give form to memories and experiences, she said in an artist's statement. Beason's fascination with printmaking stems from the inherent element of surprise and the gift of anonymity of rollers and inks versus paints and brushes. While the subjects are deeply personal, color and texture are the driving forces.

Beason, who recently moved to Oswego after 30 years in publishing in New York City, formerly worked at Marvel Comics, DC Comics and Reader's Digest. She received her bachelor of fine arts degree from SUNY Oswego.

Jingyuan Duan

Duan's work has been concerned with the exchange of Chinese and Western cultures, she wrote in an artist's statement. As an international student, born in Kunming, Yunnan, China, she is considerate of other international students' feelings of hope and confusion. Duan also has been concerned about the dream and struggle of the younger generation. She said her goal is to make others perceive the present situation of contemporary international students through her works.

The award-winning cross-media artist works in interactive devices, graphic design, 3D model design, painting, photography, sculpture and more. Duan graduated from Kunming University of Science and Technology City Academy with a degree in digital media.

Sharon Souva

Souva works with fabric. The pure nature of fabric with all its complexities and possibilities offers a connection to the creative process, she wrote in an artist's statement. She is continually learning the language of fabric so that these possibilities can be brought to the fabrics' full potential. A childhood spent on a farm was ripe for exploring her natural environment, Souva said. Sewing was introduced at an early age and has followed her into adulthood, where needle arts are a big part of her creativity.

Souva has a long history in Syracuse as a fiber artist, has owned of her own business for 15 years and is represented by several national galleries. Her work is in private and public spaces throughout the United States. She received her bachelor of fine arts degree at SUNY Oswego, where she majored in printmaking. She is interested in furthering her career as a studio artist and instructor.

Tyler Art Gallery hours -- when school is in session -- are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 11:30 to 4 p.m. Sundays. The gallery is closed during Thanksgiving break at SUNY Oswego, Nov. 22 through 26.

For more information, contact Michael Flanagan, director of Tyler Art Gallery, at michael.flanagan@oswego.edu or 315-312-2112.

SUNY Oswego's art department, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. Visit oswego.edu/art for more.