MERCED — Just as winter is winding down, Merced College is heating things up with a slew of community events that the general public can enjoy this spring.   

Art lovers will get to delight in an exhibition of sculptural mixed media by Marie Bergstedt and Roz Ritter titled “Relativism.”  The Art Gallery exhibit runs Feb. 19 through March 14.

“The art shows are free and open to anyone who enjoys the versatility of art,” said MC Art Gallery Coordinator Susanne French.  “We will feature many talented artists throughout the semester that includes several pieces ranging from sculpture, mix media and physical objects.”

Bergstedt and Ritter are both well known fiber artists throughout the Bay Area who use media sculpture through their works.  The public will have the chance to meet the artists from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 with an informal talk at the Art Gallery.

“They built their intricate pieces of sculpture from torn and degenerated antique pieces in conjunction with new fiber, wire and button,” said French.  “Their art is inspired from childhood memories.”

Bergstedt and Ritter’s work has been shown on its own as well as with many exhibitions throughout the United States.  Their sculptural work has also recently been selected for three book publications.

“We also showcase students’ pieces in our art gallery throughout the entire semester,” said French.  “We have pieces that range from photography, ceramics, paintings, sculptures and digital media.  It’s amazing to see these young artists express their individuality through their work.  Many people don’t realize how important art is in our everyday lives.”

The Merced College Art Gallery is open 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and is located at 3600 M St., Merced.

Kicking off Merced College’s performance art this spring once again is Dance Kaleidoscope. Presented by the Merced Dance Teachers Cooperative and Merced College Community Services, Dance Kaleidoscope is the collaborative effort of local dance studios. The event showcases many of the young talent being trained in the area’s premier dance studios. Choreographers explore the limits of the human body as a means of expression. Through movement, their dances paint landscapes of the soul revealing the full spectrum of human emotions.

The troupe features young dancers from Danzantes de Merced, South Pacific Dance, Merced Academy of Dance, The Dancers’ Studio, Mariposa Academy of Performing Arts, Denisa’s School of Dance, and Steps Dance Studio. A show will be held at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the Merced College Theater.

Tickets are $10 general admission and $8 for ASMC student body card holders, children under 12, and seniors.  For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 384-6284.



— NANCY ANGEL /  209 staff reporter