Local Artist Exhibits ‘Supination and Pronation’ at Clarke

Clarke will host an exhibition of artwork by local artist and Clarke Alumna Ali Levasseur entitled, “Supination and Pronation.” The exhibition opens in Clarke’s Quigley Gallery on February 20 and runs through March 8, with an artist’s reception on Saturday, February 24 from 2-4:30 p.m. Levasseur will present a gallery talk at 3p.m. accompanied by ASL interpretation. 

“Supination and Pronation” is rooted in the artist’s journey toward healing after a significant physical injury to both wrists that fully immobilized the artist’s hands, wrists, and arms. With her tools metaphorically removed, Levasseur reflected on the universal themes of the human body’s fragility, and ability to heal and rehabilitate. Art intersects with the biological study of anatomy in this series of multimedia works, as the imagery is derived from a human skeleton model. 

“I taught Ali beginning in the early 2000s when she moved to Dubuque from Wyoming to study at Clarke,” said Louise Kames, Chair of the Arts + Media Department. “Ali could always be found at the center of any activity in the art studios. I’ve enjoyed watching her find a home in the Dubuque arts community. We look forward to presenting her most recent body of artwork that comes from significant personal challenges.” 

Beyond her current exhibit, Levasseur’s studio art practice includes acrylic painting, collage, drawing with thread, soft and hard sculpture, and photography. Her artistic expression has long been through a maker-identity lens while engaging with the public through art fairs, maker’s markets, bookstores, community outlets, and online sales. Local solo and group show exhibitions include the Dubuque Museum of Art, Carnegie-Stout Public Library’s Art @ Your Library, Voices from the Warehouse District, Dubuque Area Arts Collective Gallery, and gallery representation at Hello Galena Gallery in Galena, Ill. 

Levasseur is also a strong advocate for and practitioner of community engagement. She has served in volunteer leadership in several arts organizations including membership of the City of Dubuque’s Arts and Cultural Affairs Commission.    

The exhibition Supination and Pronation is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Dubuque. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts impacts individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.