Two Ashford University students have been invited to participate in an exclusive private luncheon with Alison Saar, the next installation artist at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa.

Sterling, IL sophomore Sarah Bauer and Clinton, IA junior Carmen Bechtel will be among a small group of students who will have lunch with Saar on Saturday, Feb. 9.

“It’s an exciting private event just for a small number of nominated students,” said Anna Pagnucci, Ashford University art professor who nominated Bauer and Bechtel for the experience.

Saar’s exhibit “STILL…” will be on display Feb. 9-April 14. 

“The metaphorical armature supporting, entwining, embracing this selection of new sculpture is the myriad of meanings for the word ‘still’,” the museum’s website says. “Saar teases out the complexities of this little noun/verb in bold and subtle ways. Four stylized glass ‘stills’ express the personal and political challenges of being an artist, woman, and mother in the twenty-first century. These interactive idiosyncratic stills attempt to distill the vile essence of bigotry and transform it into consciousness. Only through awareness and informed mindfulness can negative representations be dispelled and converted into positive reflections.”

Saar, “uses the everyday experience, history and associations of her materials, African art and ritual, Greek mythology, and the stark sculptural tradition of German expressionism to infuse her work with a primal intensity that challenges cultural and historic references and stereotypes.”

After the private luncheon on Feb. 9, Saar will discuss her work in the John Deere Auditorium at 2:30 p.m. The event is free with membership or museum admission. She will also sign copies of the exhibition catalogue. For more information about the exhibit, please visit www.figgeartmuseum.org. 

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.