Hesston College is pleased to announce its next exhibit featuring the work of local artist Brad Voth. The show is open and will run through March 14, with an artist reception March 3 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hesston’s Regier-Friesen Gallery in Laban Peachey Center (325 S College Dr, Hesston). The public is invited to attend the reception, meet the artist and gain insight into his creative process.
Voth, of Moundridge, Kan., brings a fresh, energetic style to the gallery with his mixed media works in which he displays his passion of crafting narratives through dynamic visuals. His art is inspired by classic comic strips and the expressive energy of comic and caricature artists, as well as some fine artists.
“My art is a vibrant explosion of fun, exaggerated caricatures brought to life through mixed media,” Voth says. “I employ a range of techniques, from playful ink washes to bold digital coloring, to create characters and scenes that are both humorous and emotionally resonant.”
What makes this exhibit particularly compelling is Voth’s inclusion of process pieces that reveal the steps behind his finished works. Visitors will get a rare behind-the-scenes look at his artistic journey.
“This exhibit is particularly interesting because multiple pieces show the process that an artist goes through to get to the final product and have it ready for presentation,” explains Joshua Cross, Hesston College art professor. “The viewer gets to see everything from the initial pencil sketch, to digital add-ins, inking and finally on to color and how a piece changes along the way.”
Cross also noted the uniqueness of Voth’s work in the gallery space. “Historically, comics and graphic novels have been seen as ‘low-level art’ only suited for children. The level of artistry has always been very high in the industry and it needs to be celebrated. We have an excellent example of that right in our backyard.”
The gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is free. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact joshua.cross@hesston.edu.