Faculty exhibit in the party mood

Glitter, balloons, party hats. Is there a party going on at the College of Charleston's Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art?

In fact, no. It's "Diving Dunce," an exhibition by faculty member Loul Samater, whose work is derived from memories of growing up in such places as Saudi Arabia, where she was born, and learning the customs of this country. She has arranged party decor in a setting that she hopes creates a tension for viewers, leaving them to question whether the party is over, or whether it has yet to begin, thus challenging viewers to consider whether they are participants or observers.

"Diving Dunce" is part of the Halsey exhibit "Faculty Spotlight," which will be on view from Friday through Oct. 10. It also is part of Halsey Director Mark Sloan's goal to stray from the tried-and-true into untrod territory.

Samater has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College and a Master of Fine Arts in painting from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She became a visiting assistant professor of painting and drawing at the college in 2005 and has exhibited in numerous galleries nationwide.

Another faculty member whose work will be on exhibit is Jarod Charzewski, who was born in Winnipeg, Canada, and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the University of Minnesota in 2005. He has been a visiting assistant professor of sculpture at the college since 2006, and has been included in solo and group exhibitions in Canada and the United States.

For his installation on the Halsey's second floor, Charzewski has created "Scarp," an exhibit that references the Earth and our place in it. This includes what appears to be a geological formation made of several tons of carefully folded clothing. The various strata reveal dense deposits of denim, corduroy, cotton and various synthetic fabrics united by color and type.

The artist notes, "This project is about fabricating history with our own synthetic and fleeting artifacts as the medium."

An opening reception honoring the artists will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Halsey Institute, College of Charleston's Simons Center for the Arts, 54 St. Philip St. Also, Charzewski will deliver a lecture on his work at 5 p.m. Sept. 26, and Samater will give her lecture at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 in Room 309 in the Simons Center. All events are free and open to the public.

Reach Dottie Ashley at 937-5704 or dashley@postandcourier.com.