»¨½·Ö±²¥

Opening Reception 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 29 | Goppert Gallery 

(Leavenworth, Kan.)—The »¨½·Ö±²¥ will open its 2021-22 fine arts season on Sept. 29 with "Buddha Buddies," a ceramic exhibition produced by new Art Instructor Heidi Schultz. 

"Buddha Buddies" is free and open to the public from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekdays through Nov. 5 in the Goppert Gallery on USM's main campus in Leavenworth – 4100 South 4th Street. USM will host an opening reception from 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 29 in the Goppert Gallery. 

"My ceramic art is directly influenced by my study of Buddhist philosophies," Schultz said. "The teachings of the Dharma and the visual culture of this religion greatly shape the way I think and how I approach my art and life. At the core, my artistic endeavors are an attempt to understand what Buddhism holds for me in my life." 

On the surface, her work expresses her interest in the visual cultures of the East mixed with Western street art themes. By using traditional and contemporary techniques and philosophies, she can create unexpected combinations of the old and new mixed with the East and West. 

Schultz is a ceramics artist and educator. She earned a BFA from Northwest Missouri State University and an MFA from Kent State University. She has worked with clay for two decades and participated in exhibitions throughout the country. Schultz has 10 years of experience teaching in higher education, most recently at Curry College in Milton, Mass. She currently teaches ceramics and drawing at the »¨½·Ö±²¥. 

"Creating art with religious influence comes with the risk of misunderstanding and the potential inability for viewers to detach from religious imagery," Schultz said. "But, I want my work to welcome the viewer, to make them feel joyous when engaging in spiritual contemplation. I strive to make my work a symbol of the teachings of the Buddha â€“ to always question, to never be comfortable with an answer someone else gives, and to encourage others to find their own unique path." 

Visit stmary.edu/fine-arts-calendar to view USM's full fine arts event schedule for the 2021-22 season. All events are subject to change. 

 

The »¨½·Ö±²¥ is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of »¨½·Ö±²¥ main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit  for more information.