FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 19, 2005

CONTACT: Nora Wendl, (515) 271-1994, nora.wendl@drake.edu

ANDERSON GALLERY TO OPEN FALL SEASON WITH 'TERRAIN'

The Anderson Gallery at Drake University will open the fall season with "Terrain," an exhibition featuring three design collaboratives offering architectural solutions to economic and health challenges worldwide. The models, material samples, drawings and graphic narratives by MOD-ECO Architecture, Studio Luz and Thurlow Small Atelier demonstrate how design can have a positive impact on those in need.

The three design groups were chosen because of their innovative and aesthetic architectural response to the plight of developing nations afflicted by health care challenges and shortages of care facilities. The design studios use simple solutions to address the situations directly, and to allow for the developing nations to make use of the resources at their own disposal to greatly improve their conditions.

The exhibition will open Friday, Sept. 2, with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. and an informal gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. in the Anderson Gallery in the Harmon Fine Arts Center, 25th Street and Carpenter Avenue. Representatives of the design firms will participate in a roundtable discussion titled "Terrain: Degrees of Innovation" at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, in Levitt Hall in Old Main, 25th Street and University Avenue. All events and the exhibition, which continues through Sept. 30, are free and open to the public.

The exploration of the design process and how it can be proactive to address numerous issues, such as humanitarian needs, is a key part of "Terrain."

"Exhibition has long been a necessary step toward seeing ambitious visions realized.

Public viewings of preliminary design-work are commonly staged to entice public interest in an unorthodox proposal," said Nora Wendl, director of the Anderson Gallery.

During the roundtable discussion, Kevin Lair of MOD-ECO will discuss his firm's work on an Epidemic Prevention Vehicle designed to address the lack of infrastructure and tools to resolve health issues in Ghana. The project is a partnership effort with the Ghana Education Project.

Anthony Piermarini of Studio Luz will talk about his firm's project: HFC School, Orphanage & Medical Clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The design objectives included creating a self-sufficient, sustainable and vibrant community environment.

Maia Small of Thurlow Small Atelier will share her firm's approach to a HIV/AIDS Mobile Clinic Proposal in which a mobile architectural icon is created as a tool to combat AIDS in Africa. The clinic is intended to operate as a center for multiple levels of activity, to engage anyone affected by HIV, to form new memories and to spread information. The exhibit also includes the firm's Gabion Field: National AIDS Memorial Finalist Entry.
Exhibition of Studio Luz' HFC has been made possible by the generous support of Lowe's Improving Home Improvement, MIT Council for the Arts, MIT Public Service Center and Hope for the Children of Haiti. The work of MOD-ECO Architecture is supported by FTL Design and Engineering, Seaman Corp. and the Ghana Education Project.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

"Terrain"
Anderson Gallery, Drake University
Exhibition Dates: Sept. 2 - 30
Roundtable Discussion: "Terrain: Degrees of Innovation," 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, Levitt Hall, Old Main
Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 2, 5 - 7 p.m. with artists' gallery talk at 5:30 p.m.

CONTACT

Anderson Gallery: (515) 271-1994
Fax: (515) 271-2558
E-mail: andersongalleryinfo@drake.edu
Web site: www.drake.edu/andersongallery

ADDRESS

Anderson Gallery
Drake University
25th Street and Carpenter Avenue
Harmon Fine Arts Center
Des Moines, IA 50311
The main entrance to the Anderson Gallery is on 25th Street, on the street level of Harmon Fine Arts Center (red brick building on the northwest corner of 25th and Carpenter). Free, two-hour parking is available on 24th and 25th Streets.

GALLERY HOURS

Tuesday through Sunday
Noon to 4 p.m.
Free admission to the Anderson Gallery and programs at the gallery

ABOUT THE ANDERSON GALLERY

The Anderson Gallery, a nonprofit exhibition space at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, was founded in 1996 to exhibit and support innovation in art and design. The gallery strives to enrich the cultural life of the University and area communities through diverse and challenging exhibitions, educational programs and publications.

As a showcase for art and design exhibitions, the Anderson Gallery, with its humanistic and interdisciplinary interpretation of art and culture, is an essential component of the University’s academic programs and the Department of Art and Design. The gallery offers area residents, visitors and students from all disciplines the opportunity to participate in the current discourse and historical context surrounding art and design.

- 30 -