Migration, Sarah Nesbitt
Want to know a secret? Here it is: Applied Art—color design, painting, drawing, watercolor, printmaking, digital photography, graphic design, animation—has always been a hub of authentic, human-driven creativity on our campus. This exhibition proudly turns the spotlight on UM-Dearborn’s Applied Art program and the works of its faculty, students and alumni from recent years, showcasing the marriage of talent, vision, skill, and persistence that lies at the foundation of artmaking.
Featured here are works by five faculty artists—highly trained and exhibiting regionally, nationally, and internationally—Madeleine Barkey, Sarah Nesbitt, Julie Lambert (now at Macomb Community College), and the greatly missed Kevin Castile and former Art Curator Joe Marks—as well as the works of a large number of Applied Art students from over the past five years. The displayed work encompasses a variety of media from traditional to digital and embodies the unique and diverse perspectives of UM-Dearborn’s community.
Maybe the depth and scope of our campus’ Applied Art students and faculty artists are a surprise to you. Applied Art—offering a Minor in the Department of Language, Culture, and the Arts in CASL—is one of the smallest programs on our campus. But its students are majors in a variety of fields, such as Art History, Biology, Business, Communications, Education, Engineering, Journalism and Media Production, and Psychology, to name just a few. In the Art Studio and Digital Arts Lab, students from all disciplines gather to make art, to train their eyes and their hands to be sharper and more dexterous than before, to let the left and right brains make their own connections, and to critique their works together.
Bunz, Madeleine Barkey
Your Kitchen Island Person, Erik Mueller
A Shadow Replica, Bella Porbe
Making art helps students clarify and understand the concepts and skills from their own majors and their career goals—“so that’s how pigments work;” “now I see how this circuit works, after drawing it out;” “now I feel my fingers working with fine movements like I would use in dentistry;” “now I know how to make a logo that pops”—in a way that feeding prompts into an AI image generator could never replicate. UM-Dearborn students know this, and they seek out Applied Art courses to train their intellects to be observant and flexible, to express their own ideas and perspectives, and to assert their humanity in a process of slow and practical honing of skills that runs counter to the prevailing social and economic imperatives of speed, ease, and automation.
The Wreckage, Cierra Evans
Which is not at all to say that UM-D’s Applied Art students are not interested in careers in fields like STEM. The practice of art depends on the evolution of science and technology—as you will see in the different media represented in this exhibition. There is a prevalent idea that art and science are at odds, rather than complementary, but it’s nevertheless a misconception. Art and science mirror each other in hypothesizing new ideas, in empirical methods of trial and error, and in breaking boundaries of what was and is, to open the doors to what could or could never be.
Or maybe the importance of Applied Art at UM-D isn’t a secret to you at all. Maybe you are one of the hundreds of students who have taken an art course. Perhaps you found, from your first Applied Art course that drawing, painting, design, or photography are kind of fun. Then you discovered that you actually have a love for art.
If you are a student, that love is nurtured through the lectures, demonstrations, and individualized supervision from our dedicated artist-instructors. They teach you to use your eyes not just to look at things around you, but to actively see in new ways, finding breathtaking forms, colors, light, and lines in ordinary things. In the next Applied Art class, you use what you see to create something new. Your focus deepens, and for the duration of class, you are in your own world with just your medium and whatever problem you need to solve to bring the vision in your head out, onto paper, canvas, or the screen. You ask your instructor, “is this the right process here? I’m trying to get it to do this.” Of course, your instructor will guide you, letting you know what you could do, showing you how you might do it, but leaving you to execute that perfect solution. When class ends and your mind turns to other matters, you look forward to the next time you get to make visions into reality. That is, you look forward to your next Applied Art class, your secret sanctuary.
Zenyatta and Mantis, Zeke Walker
Busy Bee, Christa Hooper
Girl World, Eliana Pettigrew
But the secret’s out in front of you, and all exhibition viewers, in these remarkable works of art created by UM-Dearborn’s very own students, faculty, and alumni. Let these works tell you their secrets, and then please, go spread the word.
Himba Woman, Grace Bianco
Here’s another secret for you: teaching Applied Art—whether in traditional or new media—is a tough job requiring patience, sound pedagogical principles and practice, and above all, tremendous dedication. Some people might think that teaching students to make art is simply laying out the materials and letting them go wild. But they would be sorely mistaken. To create a cohesive image that engages and rewards viewers’ attention and expresses the ideas and emotions of the artist requires a grasp of fundamental concepts and techniques that takes a lifetime to master.
Our Applied Art instructors—proud LEO members—take their responsibilities to teach their students these foundations with utmost seriousness. Taking the time to translate abstract concepts into accessible language, climbing up and down ladders to adjust lighting for the perfect model set up, continuously adjusting teaching plans to account for sudden software updates, guiding group critiques to model respectful dialogue—our Applied Art instructors do this every time they step into the classroom. During the pandemic-driven online pivot, Applied Art instructors worked mightily just like faculty in other disciplines to deliver effective remote teaching. But imagine the additional difficulties they encountered when they couldn’t see what their students were doing in real time. And imagine the joy of their return to campus where they could guide their students in person once more.
The Survival of Photography, Sarah Nesbitt
What drives our Applied Art faculty—practicing artists that make, show, and teach beyond UM- Dearborn? For Madeleine Barkey, who has been teaching at UM-Dearborn for almost 20 years, her commitment to UM-Dearborn is because of her students, “[t]hey are so curious and hard working. They are from such divergent areas of study that I never know what they are going to ask next, which means that I need to be flexible and ready for anything.” Sarah Nesbitt, in charge of our Digital Art curriculum, echoes this thought, saying, “I like the idea of having art integrated into other fields in some way, and for students to be able to make those connections.”
The fact that Applied Art courses open up new horizons—both intellectually and personally—for our students is crucial to our instructors’ mission. Barkey reflects, “[t]hese courses don't just enhance [students’] semester, but they raise an awareness of their environment that they don't get from other courses. …students see connections that weren't noticed before; or see how a new bridge could be created from one subject to another or …[from] one person to another.”
Kiwi, Mohamad Hamka
Nesbitt also noted how Applied Art courses introduce a versatile toolkit of ideas to students: “In all of my classes, there are discussions on intellectual property, the psychology and philosophy of art, current and historical trends, …opportunities for exhibiting and publishing work, helping students build skills needed for employment, having students put together a portfolio and resume, and teaching industry-standard tools and techniques…. I hope that they will use what they learned and find to be helpful from these Applied Art courses in their professional and/or personal lives.”
Not only do they prepare students to think outside the box, enhance professional skills, and make interdisciplinary connections—regardless of whether they continue to pursue art—our instructors also prioritize instilling in our students perseverance and pride in their work, and the understanding that, as Barkey puts is, “art is never finished. There is always a better drawing you can make or a new medium that can be learned.” For Sarah Nesbitt, her goal is to “make my classes fun with what is taught, make sure [students’] voices are heard, and for them to create something they could be proud of.”
UM-Dearborn faculty follow what is called the “teacher-scholar” model, which acknowledges that original research enhances teaching and student experiences. For our Applied Art faculty, that symbiotic relationship is the same. Sarah Nesbitt notes that, “[m]any of the things I teach in my classes are either what I had to do as an artist or freelancer in communications, graphic design and photography, or what I wished I learned in college…. I'm still a life-long student of [art].” For Madeleine Barkey, “Both [teaching and artmaking] are a form of communication, true, but I think of myself as an artist who teaches… Making, teaching, learning- they all seem like one to me…. [Students] keep me on my toes.”
On Friday, January 19, 2024, UM-Dearborn lost Kevin Castile, Lecturer II in Applied Art, who passed away after a sudden illness. For two decades, Kevin taught the fundamental Applied Art courses of Design-Color and Painting, changing the way students saw the world around them and giving them new ways to express themselves.
Thick with Buoyancy, Kevin Castile
Kevin was a wonderful and thoughtful person and colleague, who valued the bonds of community and always showed up in all the ways that one could expect and hope for, whether it be helping with a collaborative project, or attending events for students including an Art Club trip to Chicago. Kevin’s courses were held in the evenings after he had put in full workdays at Henry Ford Health System as Management Engineer. When most people would be happy to rest, Kevin would bring his energy, talent, and caring attitude to our students.
Kevin’s joy in teaching was noted over the years by his students, who produced works that are featured in this exhibition. Former student Bella Martinic reflected that, “I will forever appreciate that Kevin always found and shared at least one thing positive about [my work]— this kept me from being discouraged and giving up.” His colleague Madeleine Barkey reflected on Kevin’s deep satisfaction in helping students grow, “[w]hen a student impressed him, [Kevin] glowed. We would often reminisce about someone who graduated and would recall their artwork. He took so much time with everyone, just listening and reflecting. He saw wonder in so many things I had dismissed. Sure enough, I would look again and see he was right.” Students found in Kevin a willing and supportive mentor who had the heart and soul of both a teacher and an artist. Students recognized, in the words of Bella Martinic, that “being Kevin’s student was such an immense privilege.”
Kevin saw the world as only an artist could; his personal photography shows how his eyes always looked for and found interesting designs, colors, and forms in his surroundings. The way Kevin captured these vignettes transformed the mundane—buildings and streets, pools of water, a garden—into the beautiful and wondrous through his vision. Kevin’s paintings reveal his amazing eye for color and form in captivating abstract compositions.
Sketchbooks, Kevin Castile
This was the talent and the way of seeing that he gave students through his teaching. Bella wrote after she learned of his passing, “I was actually thinking about him today - he inspired my love for Piet Mondrian, so much so that I have a small picture of one of Mondrian’s works on my desk at work that I was admiring. I was even looking into trying to buy a book of Mondrian’s collection of work this morning because it was Kevin’s copy that he showed me and changed how I see and create art. Kevin was a fantastic mentor, educator, and person.”
Kevin felt strongly that teaching gave back to him as well. His wife, Denise, said that, “Kevin absolutely loved his job. He looked forward to it weekly and it made him so happy.” Kevin’s daughter Brooke said after his passing that Kevin believed teaching made him a better artist. His work, she said, changed completely after he began teaching as he focused on the fundamentals with his students. It was so important to Kevin to teach his students to do things the right way, because he saw how mastery of the fundamentals enriched his own artistic practice.
Kevin’s works, and those of his former students, in this exhibition stand as testament to the talented and humane individual whose memory will be cherished always.
Untitled, Joe Marks
Joseph (Joe) T. Marks was the driving force for the world class art collection and gallery the University of Michigan – Dearborn has today. The story of this collection dates back to Ed Wall, the library director who planned the current Mardigian Library. Dedicated in 1981, the library was designed to exhibit artwork throughout the building. Ed and Joe, who worked in the Art History Department, both believed it was crucial for UM-Dearborn students to be exposed to a wide range of artwork. Art was placed throughout the library and other University buildings. The library soon began hosting art exhibitions and receptions – a tradition that has continued for over 40 years!
Joe soon assumed responsibility for the growing art collection. In the 80s and 90s, he established close relationships and friendships with a number of collectors and artists. Alfred Berkowitz, Alex Neshkes, Bill and Electra Stamelos, and Ed Wall were just a few of the major donors to the early collection, all thanks to Joe’s cultivation and stewardship. His relationship with Mr. Berkowitz also resulted in the establishment of the Alfred Berkowitz Gallery on the Library’s 3rd floor in 1997.
The Berkowitz Gallery eventually outgrew its exhibition and storage space. Plans were designed for a larger and more modern gallery, complete with a much-needed temperature and humidity control system to protect the collection. Once again, thanks to Joe’s friendship and work, funding was provided by Bill and Electra Stamelos in their estate. The new Stamelos Gallery Center opened in April 2019 on the Library’s 1st floor. The new Stamelos Gallery also inspired donations and funding from other individuals, providing much needed items such as display cases and a state-of-the art storage facility, to name just a few.
Reflections, Joe Marks
The importance of Joe’s relationships with area art organizations, artists, and art collectors cannot be overstated. He was asked to serve as a juror for many competitions, and he supported the programs of organizations including the Michigan Watercolor Society. At UM-Dearborn, he was responsible for the funding of two galleries and numerous donations of artwork. One of the last major donations Joe procured was the Richard and Louise Abrahams Collection. The Abrahams’ donation includes 99 pieces of studio art glass from around the world, with works by many current major glass artists. It was Joe’s friendships with donors and artists that built this amazing collection and Gallery.
As curator, Joe supervised many gallery internships for art history majors, continuing to mentor them after graduation regarding graduate school and job opportunities. He also worked with Art History faculty teaching museum studies courses, resulting in a diverse array of student-created exhibitions in the gallery. Among his many talents, Joe was also an accomplished artist all his life, working with a variety of media and subject matter. This exhibition proudly features four of his remarkable works. Two of them are stunning portraits of Joe’s amazing wife and biggest supporter Madge.
I was privileged to work with Joe for many years. He was a wonderful friend and a great teacher. Without him, the two galleries and the world class art collection would never have existed at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Thank you, Joe!
Barbara Kriigel
Mardigian Library
Librarian and Associate Director, 1989-2019
Opening Reception
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Artist talk at 6:00 p.m.
Reception is free to the public, free parking in UM-Dearborn lot.
Complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres provided.
The Stamelos Gallery Center is located on the first floor of the Mardigian Library at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. For more information, see below for contact information. Anyone requiring accommodations under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact lacotton@umich.edu.
Taketori Tale,
Kyohei Fujita (b. 1921),
n.d.,
Mold blown glass with gold and silver foil inclusions
Gift of Richard and Louise Abrahams,
Collection of UM-Dearborn (Adp39),
Photograph by Kip Kriigel
World renowned artist Kyohei Fujita was born in Japan in 1921. He is known as the father of Japanese studio glass. Many of his works, including this one, were inspired by early Japanese boxes that were richly decorated with lacquerwork and mother-of-pearl inlays, and traditionally used to store Buddhist writings, jewelry, inkstones and brushes. Fujita's celebrated ornamental glass boxes revive conventional Japanese aesthetics in a contemporary form. This breathtaking piece was mold blown with gold and silver foil inclusions. Whenever asked by collectors what to keep in the boxes, the artist usually stated "You should put your dreams in them."
---Laura Cotton, Art Curator and Gallery Manager
