News

"Stick, Steel, and Stone” art exhibit visits UA-PTC Windgate Gallery

“Stick, Steel, and Stone,” an exhibition of contemporary art exploring materiality through jewelry, wood carving, and ceramics, will be on display at UA-PTC Windgate Gallery Aug. 10 – Dec. 3, 2026, at The Center for Humanities and Arts (CHARTS) on UA Pulaski Tech Main Campus.

A free public reception will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The exhibition showcases the work of three contemporary artists and University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) educators: Lydia Martin, Keenan Rowe, and John Shea. Together, their investigations of materiality reveal the complex relationships humans share with the objects they create, use, and admire.

“Stick, Steel, and Stone presents a dynamic look at how everyday materials can be transformed to challenge our expectations of art, craft, and design,” said Teaching Professor of Visual Art Kimberly Kwee. “We are thrilled to bring the innovative work of these three exceptional local educators to the Windgate Gallery community.”

Lydia Martin is a contemporary jeweler whose work is built upon the foundations of traditional metalsmithing techniques. She explores material skill, surface, line, and movement, creating pieces that reflect her investigations of intention and consequence. Martin received a Master of Fine Arts from the State University of New York at New Paltz and is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Art at UALR, where she heads the metalsmithing program.

Keenan Rowe creates objects from imagined worlds through slow, meditative wood carving processes, using texture, surface, and color to either expose or obscure his hand. His work subverts expectations of form and material for furniture and decorative sculpture, exploring the fuzzy lines that define art, craft, and design objects. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Rowe received his Master of Fine Arts in 3D Design from Cranbrook Academy of the Arts. He is an Assistant Professor of Art at UALR, heading the Woodworking and Furniture program, and is the founder of RVA Urban Wood, a collaborative group dedicated to diverting wood waste from landfills.

John Shea is a ceramics artist and educator known for his vibrantly colorful abstract forms that combine organic and geometric references. Shea explores the power of abstraction to convey highly personal and collective meaning to the viewer. He received a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and currently serves as an Assistant Professor in Ceramics at UALR.

Windgate Gallery hours are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; closed weekends. Admission is free and open to the public. Please note the gallery will be closed for maintenance July 20 - 31.

Artist websites and resources:

• Lydia Martin: lydiaelsamartin.com
• Keenan Rowe: keenanrowe.com
• John Shea: jrsheastudio.com