By Ball State University Communications—
MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University’s Arts Alive! series continues this Spring with a presentation by multidisciplinary artist Justin Favela at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at Sursa Performance Hall.
The event, made possible by the College of Fine Arts (CFA) and the Arts Alive! program, is free and open to the public. A catered reception will follow. Parking is available in the McKinley Parking Garage (entrance on Ashland Avenue) south of Sursa Hall, and is free after 7 p.m.
Based in Las Vegas, Mr. Favela is known for his large-scale installations and sculptures that explore themes of identity, culture, and place through vibrant, piñata-inspired works. His art has been exhibited internationally and across the United States, including at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and El Museo del Barrio in New York. Mr. Favela is a 2021 Joan Mitchell Foundation Fellow and is currently the artist in residence at the Kohler Arts and Industry program in Wisconsin.
“Justin Favela’s work offers a vibrant exploration of culture and identity,” said Dr. Seth Beckman, CFA dean. “We’re pleased to share this dynamic artistic experience with the community.”
Mr. Favela’s artistic practice blends art history, Latinx culture, community, and pop culture, creating immersive works that challenge institutional hierarchies and celebrate the everyday.
“As a multidisciplinary artist, I am interested in exploring the notions of authenticity, place, and identity using familiar materials to make large-scale installations, sculptures, and paintings,” Mr. Favela said. “My interest in art history, Latinx culture, community, celebration, home, and my obsession with pop culture inform my practice with the intention of dismantling institutional hierarchies.”
Arts Alive! aims to make arts and entertainment more accessible to students and the surrounding community. The series includes events from Ball State’s David Owsley Museum of Art, Emens Auditorium, the School of Art, the School of Music, and the Department of Theatre and Dance.
To learn more, contact the College of Fine Arts at 765-285-5495 or CFAadmin@bsu.edu.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly!
