 "Photo: SHOLTEN SINGER")
Marshall University’s president chose several pieces of art from the Birke Art Gallery to be displayed in his office.
Stephen J. Kopp arrived at 9 a.m. to begin selecting artwork that appealed to him. He chose eight pieces created by Marshall students.
“Art is a way to express the rhythm of life, and to me that is fascinating,” Kopp said. “I value art because it is a creative force that you are able to see manifest. It is a way to advance our abilities abstractly.”
Kopp selects student artwork from the Birke Art Gallery twice a year.
“I began selecting artwork for my office last year, and it has become something that I appreciate being able to participate in,” Kopp said.
The art was previously chosen by a gallery director and delivered to his office.
“I appreciate being offered the opportunity to come over and see the continuum of the artwork in the gallery,” Kopp said. “It’s something I just love being able to do. The true beauty of the show is the talent.”
John Farley, Marshall graduate and director of the Birke Art Gallery, emphasized the importance of Kopp coming to the gallery and how it helps bring attention to the students’ artworks.
“It is great to have the opportunity to interact with the president, and it is beginning to become a personal event since the president is strictly selecting art that appeals to him,” Farley said.
Farley encouraged students to participate in this event and not to let the opportunity pass.
“As gallery director, it is a rewarding experience that I look forward to each semester,” Farley said. “It’s very gratifying that he takes the time to participate in selecting the artwork.”
This is an important chance for students to measure themselves with the reality of being a professional artist, Farley said.
“It’s an opportunity for the students to show their work in another venue, and the president’s office is a good place for their work to be on display,” he said.
Among Kopp’s favorites was “Downtown,” a photograph by Sholten Singer, senior art major from Williamson, W.Va.
“Any time you have work chosen by a juror – or in this case President Kopp – it’s flattering,” Singer said in a news release provided by Jaye Ike of the College of Fine Arts. “I’m happy to have this piece shown in his office. You never know who might see your art or want to buy a piece.”
Singer is also the photo editor for The Parthenon.
Kopp said his father was a physician and a painter and encouraged Kopp’s interest in art.
“I see artists here that have a great deal of talent and will hopefully just get better,” Kopp said.
The work will be on display in Kopp’s office through mid-summer.
John Yeingst can be contacted at yeingst@marshall.edu.
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