I say ‘seems’ because one need only head to one of the Lansing area’s many fine galleries to find some respite.

One thing I’ve observed over my years of reviewing art in the Lansing area is that in terms of color palette, Michigan artists are not a dour lot. Yet I am still pleasantly surprised every time I retreat from the gray outdoors to a gallery that pulsates with color. This happened yet again two weeks ago when I was given a private tour of (SCENE) Metrospace’s latest show, “msu@scenemetrospace.com,” by director Tim Lane.

Since becoming director almost two years ago, Lane has made it his mission to maintain a strong connection to the art program at Michigan State University.

Lane brought in a variety of students for this, the opening exhibit of the 2010 season. The show includes recent grads, Master of Fine Arts students, and one Bachelor of Fine Arts student.

The show includes a variety of media, including paintings, found object art, ceramics, fiber art, digital collage, and one avatar. That’s an avatar with a small ‘a’, not one of James Cameron’s digital creations. Deon Foster’s life-sized Nintendo-style avatar, “Me from the Wii” takes center stage literally, as he waves guests into the gallery from the spotlight of the music performance space.

Andrea Wicklund, a second-year MFA, submitted a series of what Lane describes as “perspectives of women in the media.” The mixed-media collages are intricate and at first glance could be described as pretty. Closer inspection reveals some unsettling themes involving beautiful women, small dogs, sharp fashions and sharper knives that gives one pause to consider that perhaps a media whore like Paris Hilton might be a bit more savvy than we suspect.

BFA student Erica Birkhold’s digital collages also portray women, but with less cutting editorializing. Her images are bold compositions of accessorized women layered with accessorizing images, such as flowers, but terflies and graffiti. Youthful, colorful, urban and slick, the work would class up a Skechers Shoes ad campaign.

Complementing Birkhold’s work well, third-year MFA student Andrew Rieder’s paintings are done in “hot colors and spray paint,” a departure from the larger and more intricate oils Rieder has done in the past. The simple images still convey themes of patriarchy in the industrial and business world, but they’re executed in an urban, graffiti-like style.

Here’s hoping MSU’s art students continue to create such thoughtful and colorful work, and Lane continues to jump-start (SCENE) Metrospace’s seasons with vibrant shows such as this one.

"msu@scenemetrospace.com"

Through
Feb. 28 (SCENE) Metrospace 110 Charles Street, East Lansing 2-5 p.m.
Thursday, 2-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday
www.scenemetrospace.com