Danielle Vennard    M.F.A. 

Hometown:  Carlisle, PA

High School:

Carlisle High School

College:

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania ’04 B.F.A.

Graduate School:  University of Delaware ’07 M.F.A.

Mentors: 

Dennis A. Zeigler – father, teacher, coach for life

George Sorrels – B.F.A. Professor, Professional New York Artist

Artist Statement:

            I believe that everything in life should be connected and so my work is my passion and my passion is rock climbing.  My creativity spawns from my experiences with climbing.  For me climbing is a very pure experience.  Climbing contains many connections to art.  It is about a movement of form across a surface that is created by the natural processes of the earth over many millions of years.  The boulders and rocks are the canvas and climbers are the artists.  Climbers apply their physical, mental, and spiritual abilities to every rock surface in order to create a flawless flow of energy.  It is not simply about getting to the top of the rock but about the journey getting there.  This journey is representative of more than just the physical act.  Each movement is a decision much like the game of chess.  A path or strategy is chosen and a sequence is performed based on the abilities of body strength, mental focus, and spiritual belief. 

            The idea of the artwork I create is to make the viewer aware of the forms, movements, and energy that are directly related to the body during the experience of climbing.  My medium is climbing and the vehicles for expression are drawings, paintings, sculptures, still photographs and video.

Resume:

EDUCATION 

2007     University of Delaware

                                Master of Fine Arts, Painting, May 2007, GPA: 3.53 

 2004     Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

                                Bachelor of Fine Arts, GPA: 3.58 

 1999    Carlisle High School, Carlisle PA

Current EXPERIENCE

                   Jo-Ann Fabrics, Drawing Teacher

                   University of Delaware, Teaching:  Drawing II and Elementary Drawing and Painting

                            VSA, Teaching art to children and adults with disabilities: 

                                       Residency Artist at CareLink, Wilmington, DE 2008  

                                       Residency Artist at Cedar Lane Early Childhood Center, Middletown, DE 2007.

                            Young Rembrandts, Drawing Teacher

                            University of Delaware, Recreational Services, Rock Gym Employee

                            The Delaware Rock Gym,:  Rock Climbing Instructor and  Setter

EXHIBITIONS and publications

               Urban Climber Magazine.  The Visual:  You know when you found something special... (Until We Meet  Again.                  Photograph).  April  2008 Issue 23, pg. 41.

                Escalade Magazine Website;

               http://www.escalademag.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=755&Itemid=41 ;

                Laurence Guyon, 2008-01-24

2007     University of Delaware Graduate Thesis Exhibition; Crane Building, Philadelphia, PA                     

2006      B.A.G. Delaware MFA Show; Brooklyn, NYC

                Art Happens; University of Delaware, Studio Gallery, Newark, DE      

                New Blood; University of Delaware, Recitation Hall Gallery Space, Newark, DE

2005     Art Happens; University of Delaware, Studio Gallery, Newark, DE

2004     Ceramic Overload; An Artwalk Event; Kevin Lehman Gallery, Lancaster, PA                                                        

                Essence Magazine, Kutztown University Art and Literature Publication   

                Fine Arts Spring Senior Exhibition Show, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania   

                Bear’s Den Art Gallery, Student Union Building, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

2002     Essence Magazine, Kutztown University Art and Literature Publication

1999     Zzup, Carlisle Sentinel Newspaper, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 

COMMISSIONS and PURCHASES

2008     Michael Piazza, Troy, NY, Photography:  Foo Fighters (Red Lights)Print 20"X30"

                Kristen Wooley, Harrisburg, PA, Painting:  Green Atmosphere II

             Fred Lyle, Newark, DE, Painting:  Raymond Lyle

                Ed McShane, Collegeville, PA, Photography:  Julia McShane

             Joseph Cappazoli, NJ, Drawing:  Cappazoli Kids

             Kristen Wooley, Harrisburg, PA, Painting:  Green Atmosphere I

2007     Jessica Saunier, Rockville, MD, Painting:  Lily

             Aimee Tetreault, Newark, DE, Drawing:  Tim Keenan

             Mock Rock, Nottinghamshire, England:  www.mockrock.co.uk :  30 Foam Sculptures, prototypes for climbing

                holds/grips/catches

             Marcie Wittlin, Harrisburg, PA, Painting:  Black Atmosphere II

             In the Light Foundation, Donation for Auction; Charcoal Drawing:  Indian Creek Canyon

                Lisa Griffiths, Newark, DE, Graphite Drawing:  Claire and Frank

                Lindsay Cavender, Newark, DE, Charcoal Drawings:  Golden Retriever

2006     Marcie Wittlin, Harrisburg, PA, Painting:  Black Atmosphere I

                Nick Angert, Paoli, PA, Charcoal Portrait:  Two Little Girls

2005     Jackie Nattle, West Chester, PA,  Portrait:  Johnny, June Cash on guitar stool

    Eric Mauer, Lancaster, PA, Color Atmosphere:  Permanent Green Diptych

    Eric Mauer, Lancaster, PA, Color Atmosphere:  Red VI

    Eric Mauer, Lancaster, PA, Black, White and Rose Atmosphere  

    Kevin Kettler, Austin, TX, Portrait:  Julie Kettler 

2004      Patricia Horvath, Camp Hill, PA, Color Atmosphere:  Red V

    Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA, Color Atmosphere:  Cerulean II

2002      Dominick and Kim Pavia, Phoenixville, PA, Portrait:  Grandfather Pavia

REFERENCES

                            Sorrels, George    Kutztown University Professor, Fine Arts,(retired), (610)683-6420

                            Daub, Matthew Kutztown University Professor, Fine Arts, (610)683-4542         

                            Williams, Peter University of Delaware Professor, Fine Arts, (302)831-4105     

                            Straight, Robert       University of Delaware Professor, Fine Arts, (302)-831-4105

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