The military beginnings of the Jeep are well known. What is less known is how this amazing Toledo vehicle has earned its stripes in agriculture as well.

Colorado-based artist collective M12 is collaborating with UT students and faculty on a unique exhibit reflecting this remarkable history of Toledo’s Jeep. The exhibit will feature a 1954 Willys-Overland Civilian Jeep, which was used on Wednesday to assist 10 UT students and the artists plant trees in Bowling Green, to portray the vehicle as reassurance about the future of post-industrial and post-agricultural realities, and a battle cry for positive social action.

** MEDIA OPPORTUNITY **
The “Universal Future (Where There’s a Willys There’s a Way)” exhibit, which includes the vehicle itself as well as photographs of yesterday’s agricultural use and other media, is being installed 1:30-4 p.m. today in the Center for the Visual Arts Main Gallery when students also will participate in a drawing workshop to design 21st century versions of the universal Jeep.

“Universal Future” is one of two exhibits in which the UT Department of Art is exploring the theme of “Reclaim & Collaborate.” “Harvest: Michigan’s Urban Agriculture,” is a photographic display from artist Daniel Farnum that will be shown in the Center for Visual Arts Clement Gallery.

Farnum will present photographic works that document Michigan’s urban farms. His portraits of participants in this new industry include hipsters, neighborhood teenagers, unemployed factory workers and restaurant owners. Farnum’s works address the eclectic nature of community and optimistic passion for sustainable living.

Both exhibits open with a reception 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21 in the UT Center for the Visual Arts located at 620 Grove Place, next to the Toledo Museum of Art. They are free and open to the public.

“Universal Future” will be on display through Oct. 14 and “Harvest” will be shown through Oct. 21.

The Main Gallery is open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sundays.
The Clement Gallery is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays.

Media Coverage
The Blade (Sept. 20, 2012)
The Blade (Sept. 27, 2012)
The Blade (Oct. 4, 2012)

Tags: College of Visual and Performing Arts