9/21/98
ATHENS, Ohio -- While a recognized abstract painter and educator, new Ohio University School of Art Director Power Boothe also is known for his accomplishments in other art forms.
Most recently an artist- and critic-in-residence at Maryland Institute, College of Art, Boothe has designed theater sets for Obie Award-winning productions, collaborated as a visual artist with choreographers, and served as art director and designer for several films and videos. He also founded and directed Present Company Inc., a not-for-profit company in New York City that raised funds to promote original theater and film projects.
"I find his background to be extraordinary in terms of the interdisciplinary nature of his experiences," said College of Fine Arts Dean Raymond Tymas-Jones. "I am confident he will bring fresh insight and experiences to the School of Art, and also build on our many strengths."
Boothe has been a member of the graduate faculty at Maryland Institute, College of Art, since 1993, serving as acting director of the graduate program and teaching painting, photography, sculpture, video and computer art. His past positions include associate professor of visual arts at Princeton University and adjunct instructor at New York City's School of Visual Arts, and he has been a visiting artist and lecturer at several colleges and universities.
He has had 18 solo exhibitions in New York and his work is included in a number of public collections, including the Guggenheim, Whitney and Hirshhorn museums. He has received National Endowment for the Arts and Guggenheim fellowships, and he is coordinating editor of the annual journal American Abstract Artist.
"My vision for the School of Art is to have it be an energetic environment that will maintain an atmosphere of creativity and inventiveness across disciplines," Boothe said. "One of the school's great strengths is that its highly recognized faculty in studio art, art history and art education has been engaged in a longstanding debate, exchanging ideas and exploring processes, and I want to build on this rich interdisciplinary tradition."
Boothe said he would like to provide more opportunities for students and faculty to interact with the community through exhibitions and educational programs. In line with his commitment to collaboration, he hopes to develop connections with students and the community, and between students and faculty members in other departments across campus.
Boothe holds bachelor of arts and honorary doctor of arts degrees from Colorado College and has done graduate work through the Whitney Museum's independent study program.