Rich palette of local artist on display at WMU

KALAMAZOO--An exhibit on display at Western Michigan University gives ample evidence of the rich palette of local artist Susan Teague.

The vibrant color of Teague's work is represented in the exhibit "Colors of Life" on display through March 12 in the second floor art gallery of the WMU College of Health and Human Services Building. The public is invited to meet the artist and view the works at a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9. Parking will be offered free for the event.

The year 2011 marked the 40th year as a professional artist for Teague. The artist has been fascinated by color since she was a child.

"Today, I still feel that same exuberance as I view the rainbow spectrum world around me," she says. "Color energizes me emotionally, spiritually and physically."

That energy is reflected in "Colors," through which Teague hopes to provide pleasure, explore emotions and provoke thoughts.

"In this way," she says, "these works are both a vehicle and a destination for spiritual expansion."

Teague earned her associate degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and bachelor's in fine art from WMU. After graduation, her studies included art education and creative expression at Murray State University and the University of Kentucky at Lexington. She has also studied with nationally recognized artists Jack Beal, Michael Berger and Martha Meyer Erlebacher.

Over the years, this colorful artist has shown her work in numerous shows and has received many awards and recognitions for her paintings, drawings, workshops and book illustrations. A 400-linear-foot mural she painted is on display at Bronson Children's Hospital in Kalamazoo, and her work can be found in many private and public settings in Michigan and around the country.

After 23 years of service, Teague retired from teaching at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, but she continues to share her time and expertise with the KIA and through workshops, art enrichment programs and instruction in a variety of settings.

"Colors of Life" can be viewed from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit susanteagueart.com or contact Gay Walker at (269) 387-3839 or @email.