‘Echoes and Undercurrents’ highlights Coleman’s four decades of art making

The Peter Paul Luce Gallery at Cornell College will present a retrospective of Sue Coleman’s paintings and pastel landscapes from Sept. 1 through Oct. 15.

This exhibition of visual art, “Echoes and Undercurrents: A Retrospective,” includes pastels, collages, drawings, and oil paintings that Coleman produced over the last four decades of her career as an artist and educator at Cornell.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and Sunday 2–4 p.m.

In her work, Coleman examines how the larger world of nature and our human relationship with the land has challenged her to walk a spiritual path. For Coleman, “nature is the air we breathe, the water we drink, memories and metaphors that fill our dreams, the myriad forms and forces that sustain and strengthen us. Earth is our home, our source.” She views drawing from nature as a process that continues to teach her about the nature of her mind and this beautiful living earth. Drawing and painting are meditative processes that remind her to be attentive to the present moment and explore aspects of this dynamic living relationship.

Coleman, who retired last winter, will be present to discuss her work during two public receptions. The long-time art instructor will welcome visitors on Friday, Sept. 1, during a reception that runs from 4–6 p.m. The second reception will coincide with Cornell College’s Homecoming 2023 Weekend, on Saturday, Oct. 7, in the Luce Gallery from 3–5 p.m.

During her time at Cornell College, Coleman taught courses in drawing, 2-D  foundations, and color theory, and she mentored many students at every stage of their academic careers. Additionally, Coleman served as the Peter Paul Luce Gallery Coordinator for 23 years.

For additional information, contact Brooks Cashbaugh at bcashbaugh@cornellcollege.edu or visit Coleman’s website.