Internationally recognized artist Sonya Clark has broken down cultural and political barriers with her use of textiles and hair in art for more than 20 years.

She’s had exhibits in 350 venues across six continents, and permanent collections in multiple well-known museums across the country. And while practicing her art, Clark also shares her knowledge as a professor of art at Amherst College in Massachusetts.

Students and faculty will have the exciting opportunity to listen to a lecture from the renowned artist at the CSU Iris & Michael Smith Alumni Center on Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. As a part of the Department of Art and Art History’s Scott Artist Series, Clark will give an artist talk followed by a question-and-answer session. This free event is open to students, faculty, and staff across CSU, although an RSVP is required.

The Scott Artist Series was initiated in the spring of 2017 and was one of two funds donated to CSU by alumni Shaesby (’97, Art) and Catherine Scott (’98, History). Their mission was to promote access to the arts through different mediums and allow an exchange of ideas from various artists, creating an innovative space for artists in any discipline.

Clark has used her art to challenge prominent issues in the current political and cultural climate. Themes of race, identity and representation are recognizable throughout her work.

“I was born in Washington, D.C., to a psychiatrist from Trinidad and a nurse from Jamaica,” she said. “I gained an appreciation for craft and the value of the handmade, primarily from my maternal grandmother, who was a professional tailor. Many of my family members taught me the value of a well-told story, and so it is that I value the stories held in object.”

Learn more about The Scott Artist Series in the College of Liberal Arts Magazine. The Department of Art and Art History is in CSU’s College of Liberal Arts.