Join Clarke ‘On the Path of Love’

Clarke University is welcoming students back to campus with a new exhibit in the Quigley Art Gallery. The collection entitled, ‘On the Path of Love’ is the work of Christopher Schulte, a mixed-media artist based out of St. Louis, Missouri. 

Christopher drew inspiration for the works from the words of the great philosopher Rumi, who said, “We are neither masters nor owners of our lives. We are only a brush in the hand of the master painter.” For Christopher, this translates into an exploration of the freedoms and passions of life through organic materials. 

His installment consists of 30 panels of organza treated in the Shibori method. This involves folding, ironing, and blocking the material with cotton cords. Each panel is then boiled in soda ash, turning the exposed areas to silk and creating unique textured patterns. Next, Christopher worked with as many as six colors of dye at the same time to create the final, vibrant display. 

“With the mix of bold color and delicate material, it creates a powerful yet ethereal experience,” Christopher said. “Clarke provides an ideal place to contemplate these works and encourages the viewer to connect with them more deeply.” 

Christopher’s vision made its way to Clarke thanks to his connection with Assistant Professor of Art, Troy Aiken. The two have known each other since 2017 when they worked together at St. Louis Community College. Since then, they have striven to celebrate each other’s work and the work of fellow artists throughout the Midwest. 

“It’s really about building community,” Christopher said. “I came to art when I was 35 and it unlocked something inside of me. The act of creating can bring such a sense of peace and joy. That is something Troy and I both want to share with others.” 

Christopher carries that sense of community into his work as the founder and principal artist for the Will Flores Fund in St. Louis. Through the non-profit, artists show and sell their art. All sales support grant opportunities, mentoring programs, and more for underserved populations in the region with the focus to embrace “the Power of Art and the Art of Giving”.     

‘On the Path of Love’ will be on display until September 21, just prior to Clarke’s 2024 Homecoming celebrations. The exhibition will be open for viewing each week Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and 1–4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free.   

As part of his exhibition, Christopher also provided several scarves that were created using the Shibori method. They will be included in the Ceramics Club and Art + Design Program sale during Homecoming. 

To learn more about this and upcoming events at Clarke, visit clarke.edu/artsatclarke.