It is not often that an art

presentation is as creative as the artwork displayed.

But that was definitely the case Thursday as Ohio University Southern’s Art 112 students displayed their work in a very non-traditional way -- &uot;In a Van, Down by the River.&uot;

The show was so titled because the exhibit was literally in a van in the school parking lot and borrowed from comedian Chris Farley’s Saturday Night Live skit.

The class, taught by part-time instructor Craig Fetherolf,

had talked about hosting the show in a U-Haul, until the university offered the use of one of its vans.

&uot;The goal is to get art out of the gallery and get it back into the community where it belongs,&uot; Fetherolf said. &uot;I tried to spark interest in photography as a creative medium (for the students) to express themselves.&uot;

Fetherolf said the university was supportive, although many people thought the idea was a little unusual.

&uot;It was meant to be a fun event,&uot; he said. &uot;I teach very student- oriented.

&uot;I am not interested in shoveling my views or beliefs.

I’m interested in how I can facilitate their learning. I want to allow the students to find their own voice.&uot;

Ryan Yoakem, Ashland freshman, enjoyed the opportunity to show off his work and express himself.

&uot;This is giving us a great outlet to speak our mind on society and life,&uot; Yoakem said. &uot;Lots of people in this class do great work and they wouldn’t be able to show it off.&uot;

Allen Boggs, Ironton, said this has been one of the most enjoyable classes he has taken at the university and it may be the first time photography has been displayed there.

&uot;A lot of thanks go to the teacher,&uot; Boggs said. &uot;He has a love for art and really knows how to teach other people about it.&uot;

&uot;It is very important for our class to let people know there is diverse artwork,&uot; he said. &uot;A lot of people think we do not have talent here.&uot;

The band &uot;Playing with Matches&uot; provided some entertainment and Fetherolf said student turnout was really good.

Several students at the show said they thought it was an interesting and unique way to display the work. Michael Caldwell/The Ironton Tribune