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Oil paintings depict women at various life stages

Nov. 17, 2009

KALAMAZOO--A vibrant collection of oil paintings depicting women at various stages in life is on display through mid-December at the Western Michigan University College of Health and Human Services.

The exhibit, titled "This is Who We Are ... And We Are Not Going Back: Powerful Portraits of Women," features the work of area artist Launda Wheatley. It is on display in the college's second floor art gallery until Dec. 18.

Gallery hours

  • Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

With each painting and each woman appearing on the canvas, a new issue comes into place. Wheatley uses color, texture and various mediums that express her views. She addresses cultural and political issues, from human trafficking and domestic violence to terrorism and educating girls in Afghanistan.

What began as a means of escape during her youth has evolved into an introspective journey that manifests as works of art that give voice to the artist's deep emotions and beliefs. She was raised in Indiana and has traveled throughout Europe and the United States. After living in England for several years, Wheatley migrated to Michigan to raise her family. She taught art for six years at the Calhoun County Juvenile Home prior to becoming a full-time artist.

In addition to Wheatley's artistic career, she teaches yoga and holistic health classes, is completing her masters degree in transpersonal psychology and is preparing to become a Zen priestess, a journey she believes will enrich her understanding of the mind, body and spirit connection.

For more information, contact Gay Walker at gay.walker@wmich.edu or (269) 387-3839.

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Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
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