Rhiannon Hadler, 21, is showing her ceramic work in Impetus for Departure, a show at Gallery 120 on the campus of Inver Hills Community College now through April 18, 2019. The Gallery 120 show corresponds with the National Council of Education for the Ceramics Arts (NCECA ) 53rd annual conference, Claytopia, March 27–30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to show my art in Impetus for Departure,” Rhiannon said, adding that she is honored to have her ceramic pieces exhibited with the work of so many talented artists.
Rhiannon is earning her Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) in Art at Inver Hills and is looking forward to graduating in May 2019. She works while attending Inver Hills as a custom framer at Michaels in Woodbury, Minnesota, and as a student working under Rachel Sonenblum, a college lab assistant in the college’s Fine Arts department.
Three words that describe you as an artist:
UNCONVENTIONAL. INSTINCTIVE. INTUITIVE.
“I feel that the A.F.A. in Art provides a good jumping-off point that will make me more prepared for a four-year art program,” said Rhiannon, who received a $500 Art Scholarship plus a $2,500 scholarship from Culver’s of Hastings in fall semester 2018. .
After graduating from Inver Hills, Rhiannon plans to transfer to the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in art. Her career plans include teaching art at a college or high school. She would also like to do commission and gallery work. One top goal is having her own exhibition one day.
Rhiannon is a 2016 graduate of Prescott High School. She has one brother, Kelby, 25, who is a small-engine mechanic. She also has an 8-year-old Newfoundland/black Lab mix named Bella. Rhiannon admits almost all of her waking time is devoted to art, but she does enjoy knitting scarves and hats. She resides in Prescott, Wisconsin.
More about the A.F.A. in Art…
The Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) in Art is a pre-professional program for students intending to transfer to a four-year program to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.). The A.F.A. in Art is also for students interested in entering the art job market. You will take 40 credits in art courses and 20 credits to meet general requirements.
Areas of art taught at Inver Hills:
- Ceramics
- Digital Art
- Drawing
- Painting
- Glass
- Photography
- Sculpture
Many art students at Inver Hills take art courses as part of their liberal arts requirements. Others complete their freshman and sophomore years at Inver and then transfer to a B.F.A. program at a four-year college or university.
If you are aiming to launch your art career, earning an A.F.A. gives you the power and know-how to find your niche as a creative professional. You also have the option take a few courses to discover your favorite artistic medium before continuing your studies for noncredit. Learn more…
Rhiannon Impetus for Departure gallery
Rhiannon Hadler • Q & A
Why did you choose the A.F.A. in Art as your college major?
I’ve known since I was young I wanted to do art. Studying art in college was not something I had to stop and think about.
What is your favorite artistic medium?
That’s a toss-up between acrylic and clay.
What do you like best about studying art?
The freedom to be able to create and express myself.
What is the most challenging aspect of creating art at the college level?
Consistently coming up with new ideas.
What one word best describes your experience at Inver Hills?
AMAZING.
What advice would you give students thinking about making art their career path?
If you feel it, follow your instincts.
Out of all the works of art you’ve created, what is your favorite?
My bird vase for Impetus for Departure. [The songbird’s a chestnut-sided warbler.]
Who is your favorite artist?
Picasso—and Rachel Sonenblum. I love her ceramics so much.
What is your greatest strength as an artist?
Staying flexible and trying new materials.
“Rhiannon is an enthusiastic maker who easily imparts her spirit into all she creates. As Rhiannon progresses through the A.F.A. in Art program at Inver Hills, she experiments with each new technique and idea presented in class.
“Rhiannon has built on the fundamentals taught in 2D and 3D design, taking on more advanced classes as she approaches graduation. She is able to learn a skill, process the historical movement and utilize the knowledge to communicate her own perspective. Her work is undeniably Rhiannon.
“As an assistant in our Fine Arts department, she assists me in managing the daily operations of our fine art studios. Rhiannon is irreplaceable.”
Rachel Sonenblum, College Lab Assistant
Fine Arts Department, Inver Hills Community College
Rhiannon’s paintings
Rhiannon Hadler • 12 Answers
- Favorite sport or physical activity: Walking my dog, Bella
Place you would most like to visit: Italy
- The most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Going every year to do volunteer work at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park near Thunder Bay, Ontario.
- Your personal motto if you had to have one: “Everything’s fine.”
- Favorite TV show you’re watching now: The Good Place
- Best movie you’ve seen lately: Moana
- One thing you most want to accomplish in life: Have my own exhibition
Your national bird if you could have one: Baltimore oriole
- Dream occupation: Professional painter
- Person you would most like to meet: Caravaggio
- Skill you would most like to learn and master: Oil painting
- Most important issue or problem facing humankind: Equality
Learn more about earning an Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) in Art at Inver Hills, by contacting:
Rob Kolomyski
Art Faculty
651-450-3256
Fine Arts Festival 2019
Inver Hills Community College is hosting the annual Fine Arts Festival Thursday, April 11, and Friday, April 12, 2019, in the Fine Arts building on the college’s campus in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. The festival promotes creative efforts, studies and careers in writing, music, theatre and the visual arts.
Visit Fine Arts Festival 2019 to learn more.
We are so proud of you and your beautiful work!