'Sense of Place' Exhibit to Feature Paintings from Mother, Daughter Artists

Images: “View of the Drake” by Pat Huss; “Forest of the Wabash” by Nikkole Huss. Submitted by Concordia University Chicago.

Concordia University Chicago presents “Sense of Place,” an art exhibit that is free and open to the public.

Pat Coffman Huss, artist and longtime art educator, and her daughter Nikkole Huss, associate professor of art at Concordia-Chicago, will exhibit together for the first time in a two-person show at the university’s Ferguson Art Gallery from Aug. 10 to Sept. 25.

The show’s title, “Sense of Place,” refers to both artists’ strong connection to authentic locations—Pat’s scenes of Chicago and Nikkole’s depictions of National Natural Landmarks. T

heir imaginative interactions differ, as Pat’s watercolor and acrylic paintings are drawn from life, while Nikkole’s encaustic paintings stem from places she has only experienced on a screen. The mother and daughter duo have traveled to countless galleries, museums and workshops together over the years, and this show finally puts their work side by side.

“This mother and daughter art team is inspirational. I hope students will especially gain insight into the concept of positive role models and life mentors,” said BettyAnn Mocek, Ferguson Gallery director and professor of art at CUC. “These two artists are also educators and passionate about teaching art as their profession. What a rare privilege and delight it is to peek into their world of art; keeping the conversation open between the viewer and two kindred art spirits, who happen to be related.”

There will be an artists’ reception on Sunday, Sept. 13 from 2 to 4 p.m., with a gallery talk at 3 p.m.

The Ferguson Art Gallery is located in Kretzmann Hall at Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit CUChicago.edu/experience/arts/visual-arts/ferguson-gallery or call 708-209-3013.