Exhibition Statement:
The art of lighting design for the Theatre has been described as “putting light where you want it and taking it away where you don’t.” A deceivingly simple statement, and yet accurate. The title of our show, “Between Shadow and Light”, is, to me, often the essence of visual art. It is the contrast between light and shadow that reveals form, which is, in many ways, the subject matter of a work of art. I invited Michael, Kathie, and Larry to join me in this exhibition because their work is considerably different from mine. While my oil paintings tend to fall into the representational realism category, Michael’s watercolors are looser and freer interpretations. Kathie’s sculptural work and painting are wholly different from both. And Larry’s work with natural elements is even further removed. Yet, in all cases the contrast between light and shadow is key to understanding the imagery. And, sometimes, it is what is not seen because of the shadow(s) that heightens interest in the work.
Charlie Hukill Biography
Charlie Hukill is Professor Emeritus of Theatre at McMurry University where he designed and built scenery, and designed and executed lighting for stage productions. He also directed plays and sometimes acted in them. Although now retired after 39 years of teaching, he still has occasion to engage in the aforementioned theatre endeavors, locally, in Fredericksburg, and in Marble Falls. He holds a BFA in theatre from Stephen F. Austin State University, an MFA in Design and Playwriting from Trinity University, with an additional 60 hours of post-graduate study in Fine Arts from Texas Tech University.
Charlie has been pursuing artistic endeavors as long as he can remember and began painting in oils while a student in junior high school in 1966. He studied oil painting for three years at the Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art under W.C. Austin and would rather paint than just about anything else. He has been a Signature Artist Member of the Center for Contemporary Arts since the Artist League of Texas days. He served as the President of the CCA Artist Members for two years. Charlie has had six exhibits in the Jane Breed Gallery, four were solo and two were with friends. Most recently, he has had a show, “Diptych”, in Gallery 3. He has also had two exhibitions at the River Oaks Gallery and one at McMurry University. In local BCAA juried competitions, he has won a Best in Show, a Best Painting, and an Honorable Mention Painting. His most important stylistic influence is the work of Edward Hopper and other American Scene painters. It is his hope that his work inspires a narrative in the respondent and, perhaps, a smile. He is married to the lovely and talented Betty Hukill and they have immersed themselves whole-heartedly into retirement.
Michael Massey Biography
Michael Massey is retired from the faculty at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas where he taught a variety of courses in Design/Technical Theatre and Art. He also coordinated the Understanding & Appreciating the Arts courses taught in the general education curriculum at St. Ed’s. He still teaches Water Color as an Adjunct Professor. His interest in drawing and watercolor painting runs parallel with his work as an educator and acts as foundation for all of his creative endeavors.
Michael lives in Austin with his wife Gail and their two dogs.
Kathie walker-millar biography
Originally from Rochester, New York, Kathie Walker-Millar spent part of her early years in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she graduated from high school. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ceramics from Texas Christian University, a Master of Education from TCU through the Teacher Corps, and a Master of Fine Arts in ceramics with a minor in photography from Texas Woman’s University.
In 1992, Walker-Millar moved to Abilene, drawn by its thriving arts community, a teaching position at McMurry University, and the encouragement of her husband and fellow artist Larry Millar. She has since become an integral part of the local arts scene, contributing both as an educator and an artist.
Currently, Walker-Millar serves as chair of the Art Department at McMurry University, where she teaches and creates work in ceramics and painting. Recognized for her dedication to arts education, she was honored as Higher Ed Art Educator of the Year by the Texas Art Educators Association.
Larry Millar Biography
Larry Millar holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fresno State in California, where he had the privilege of studying under the renowned artist Terry Allen. His artistic journey has taken him to galleries across the country, with exhibitions in Los Angeles, Houston, and Fort Worth. In addition to his own creative practice, Larry has shared his passion for art through teaching, inspiring students at both Cooper High School and Premier High School. A dedicated and accomplished artist, he was also one of the founding members of the Artist League of Texas, playing an integral role in its early development.