University of Iowa Graduate 3D Design Students at ICON

ICON Gallery plays host to Professor Monica Correia and her 3D Design graduate students from the University of Iowa through June 5th. The crew arrived in late April to install a body of work drawn from the Design Department's R+D Collection. An informal gallery talk with Monica and some of her students hosted by ICON Director, Bill Teeple, will take place on Wednesday, May 6th, 8:00 pm.

The R+D Collection features an assemblage of functional and sculptural pieces produced at the University of Iowa 3D Design program coordinated by Correia. The collection embraces pieces designed by Prof. Correia and her current and former students. Most objects were designed and produced with cutting edge technology, as for example CAD (Computer Aided Design), CNC (Computer Numerical Control) and RP (Rapid Prototyping), and sustainable and recycled materials.
Prof. Correia and her students are currently researching ways of combining technology with sustainability. They want to help minimize the use of raw materials and mass produce pieces that are sustainable and affordable to the general public.

“We live in a world of increasing globalization and are watching cultural and artistic identities being weakened by the power of communications,” says Correia. “As a designer and architect, I praise the use of technology to develop new designs but also value community identity. I see the Design process as an opportunity to create functional art where my knowledge of materials, processes and its specific application can be combined with my cultural background and professional experience.”

Last year, Monica Correia received the Arts and Humanities Award from the University of Iowa Office of the Vice President for Research. In September 2008 she exhibited her work at 100% Futures, the showcase of world emerging designers at the UK’s contemporary leading event 100% Design, at Earls Court, London.

ICON Gallery is located at 58 North Main Street in Fairfield, Iowa. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday noon to 4:00pm or by appointment. For information call (641) 469-6252 or email bill@icon-art.org.