SXU to host the work of Chicago artist Jim Zimpel

Saint Xavier University will host an art exhibit featuring the work of Jim Zimpel from Wed., Sept. 26 to Fri., Oct. 19. The exhibit, titled "I is the Grandson," will be on display in the SXU Gallery, located in the Warde Academic Center at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. The exhibit also includes an artist's lecture and reception at 3:30 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 3 in the Gallery.

The show's title comes from its main installation piece, "I is the Grandson." The sculpture is composed of a Sears Escargo car top carrier, recycled billboard material, skis, plywood, PVC pipe, threaded pipes, pink foam, pine, and a photograph of his grandfather's dog Trevor. The pieces explore Zimpel's memories, like a meaningful fishing experience, a trip to a natural wonder, and a project built together in the garage shop behind the house

"It is recollection and recognition, an interpretation of traditions, fiction and history; an exploration of the terms of patrilineal relationships as I understand them," Zimpel said.

Zimpel is an adjunct professor at Columbia College's Art and Design Department. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Bard College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts for University of Illinois at Chicago. His work has been featured in exhibits in Chicago, New York City, N.Y., Sacramento, Calif., Miami, Fla., Minneapolis, Minn., Riverside, Calif., Berlin, Germany, and Reykjavik, Iceland.

The SXU Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, please contact the Gallery at (773) 298-3081.