This year marks the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s 50th anniversary and that, of course, is reason to celebrate. To help celebrate UWM turning the big 5-0, the Institute of Visual Art (Inova) gallery is hosting the commemoratory exhibit, “Continuum 5(0).”

This juried exhibition is a collaborative effort of 55 UWM alumni art students from each of the previous five decades. This visually pleasing exhibit fills Inova’s rooms with numerous works of art, all of which are distinctively different from each other. There is something to please everyone’s tastes with the representation of almost every medium out there.

There will be something to fancy your interest whether you are into mixed media, photography, sculpture, painting, bronze work, ornamental pieces, or arts and crafts works. There are so many striking pieces that truly represent how accomplished these artists are, which creates a fitting exhibit to celebrate UWM’s 50th birthday.

The artists whose work is represented in “Continuum 5(0)” were chosen by three judges: Bruce Knackert, Josie Osborne and Graeme Reid. The judges extensively critiqued the artwork submitted with careful diligence and consideration because all of the pieces exhibited are unique in their own right.

Graeme Reid, assistant director of the West Bend Art Museum, commented on the types of work chosen for the exhibit, saying: “The overall standards of the show were paramount together with due consideration for the space and a well-rounded selection of work from across the decades. Tastes and styles have changed over the 62 years spanning the graduation dates of the shows entrants and we tried to be cognizant of this.”

The first piece I saw upon entering the Inova gallery was the twinkling pinwheel-inspired piece, “Genome,” created by Julia M. Barello. It has been years since I’ve encountered the likes of a pinwheel, so being confronted by dozens sent my imagination soaring. On a closer look, the pinwheels were actually constructed from medical imaging films. The complexity behind this first seemingly simple piece draws in both your eyes and imagination.

One particular object that caught my eye while turning the corner from one room to the next was Mark Mcbride’s “Cubist Composite.” Cubism lovers, this piece is for you! This analytical cubist piece is a violin deconstructed, and then put back together in a new and unusual way.

Two mind-boggling pieces that take patient eyes are Arianna Huggett’s works, “Oval Rows” and “Fortress.” Both of these oil-on-wood pieces made me stare into their depths of illuminating color, looking for an image pop out. These pieces are similar to something you would see with 3D glasses on or if you were staring into a Magic Eye poster.

One of my favorite works was a bright, cool-colored oil painting done by Dean Valadez. The piece, entitled “Vainglory,” is a juxtaposition of brilliant pinks, blues and greens, created in an inexplicit way to let your eye make out the forms. My interpretation was a unicorn-inspired figure on the top of the painting, alongside other ambiguous images. The glistening of the paint along with the luminous curves of the brushwork drew me to this piece.

There are also more simplistic works such as the quaint countryside prints by JW Lawson and the gelatin silver prints done by Sarah Zamecnik. You can also find snapshots of bustling city life in John Herbst’s digital prints.

This exhibit of works chosen to showcase the accomplishments of UWM artists is a definite must-see. It is truly a visual representation of the talent of UWM students in previous decades as well as today.

“Over the years UWM has had great faculty who have brought out the best in their students through example and through the sharing of knowledge. The promotion and dedication to the arts is seen at UWM through its faculty and exhibits such as this,” Graeme Reid said.

“Continuum 5(0)” runs until Oct. 14 in the Inova gallery, in the Arts Center on campus. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and admission is free to the public. For more information call 229-5070 or visit the Inova Web site.

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