Featured MERGE artist Gabriel Christus

Gabriel Christus ('03, art, and '10, JRN) is this Tuesday’s featured MERGE artist. Christus is a photojournalist based in Denver, Colo. During his time at school interned at the Loveland Reporter-Herald , The Denver Broncos, and the Aurora Sentinel. Christus first became serious about photography in high school when he took his first photo class. Thus, he decided to pursue a degree in art, which he got in 2003. As his focus changed, he decided to return to Metro State for a second degree in photojournalism, which he earned this past spring, 2010. Currently he works as a freelance photographer for local newspapers.

Metro State: How would you characterize your art?
Gabriel Christus: My art is photojournalism. I capture moments of people doing what they do best, living.




MS: Tell me about your latest work and why you are inspired by it.
GC: My latest work is my daily assignments while shooting news for the Aurora Sentinel.

MS: In what ways did your Metro State professors influence your work?
GC: Well, I was always inspired by photography that showed real people in real situations. My photo professors inspired me by making me look into photographers that interest me. Most recently Kenn Bisio, photojournalism professor at Metro, has inspired me to take beautiful pictures.

MS: How has your work evolved since you graduated?
GC: After graduating in 2003 I was not shooting as much as I would have liked. I decided to return to school for photojournalism. I graduated in Spring of 2010 with another bachelor's degree in journalism.

MS: Tell me why you submitted the pieces that you did for MERGE.
GC: The pieces I submitted were shot on assignment for the Loveland Reporter-Herald. I chose them because not only did they tell the story of what was going on, but they were also well composed and could stand alone without any context.

MS: How do you feel about this opportunity to present your work for Metro State’s new CVA facility?.
GC: I am very excited to be showing at the new CVA.

For more information, please visit his Web site.

MERGE: Metro State Alumni Exhibition 2010 – The Anniversary Year

July 16 - August 28

Opening reception July 16
6-7 pm: Private artist reception for members and special guests
7-9 pm: Public reception MERGE was juried by Greg Watts, current Chair of the Metro State Department of Art and Barbara Houghton, Professor of Art at Northern Kentucky University and former Chair of the Metro State

Department of Art. As the CVA celebrates its 20th Anniversary it is significant that these two jurors have joined forces. Barbara Houghton played a considerable role in the creation of the CVA 20 years ago and Greg Watts has helped develop the CVA into its role today as contributor to the Rocky Mountain art scene and most recently, as an important anchor for the Santa Fe arts district.

Highlighting some of the best talent to come out of the Metro State Art Department, MERGE features both emerging and well established artists, juried from a local and national basis.

Eligibility to participate in MERGE was open to artists who graduated from Metro State in 2009 or earlier. All work was completed within the last three years. Profiles of the artists will be posted to the CVA Facebook page every week for the duration of the exhibition.

Artists:
Jeffery Ball, Phil Bender, Cristine Boyd, Mary Cay, Gabriel Christus, Evan Colbert, Terry Decker, Heather Doyle-Maier, Robert Dunahay, Mark Friday, Shawn Garvin, Jennifer Ghormley, Jason Gimbel, Kathryn Gregonis, Celina Grigore, Megan Harrison, Katie Hoffman, Conor Hollis, Jennifer Jeannelle, Heidi Jung, Josiah Lopez, Merlin Madrid, Dawn McFadden, Skyler McGee, Todd Muller, Lauri Lynnxe Murphy, Luzia Ornelas, Adesola Owolabi, J. John Priola, Marie Quinn, Brian Rendon, Claudia Roulier, Sean Rozales, Caroline Rutsche, Dave Seiler, Tony Stanzione, Sue Whitmore, Kyle Wimmer

The CVA is open late First and Third Fridays until 8 p.m. - August 6 and 20
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday noon-5pm. www.MetroStateCVA.org
Admission is free.
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