Elephant and Deer and Buffalo...Oh My!

In collaboration with Stacey M. Holloway, the Amelia Center presents Burn the Midnight Oil, a spectacular statue exhibit. This astounding exhibit made its way into the Amelia Center on January 24th and sadly departs on February 21st. Holloway’s pieces collaborate both themes of animals and light fixtures. According to a press release from Elizabeth Humphries, “This sculptural exhibit uses a combination of animal forms with found objects as a metaphor for the human experience. In particular, it focuses on the experience of living with, supporting, and assisting individuals with severe mental health issues. The title of the show refers to the hard work and dedication that is required in living situations like these. The sculpture­­­s represent the heartbreak, the isolation, the encouragement, the motivation, the knowledge, and the physical/mental struggle that takes place within such a household.”

About the Artist:

 Stacey M. Holloway is a 2009 Master’s graduate of the University of Minnesota. After her graduation, Holloway then became a Sculpture Technician and Instructor of Sculpture, 3D Design, and Sculpture Foundry Methods at Herron School of Art and Design (where Holloway received her B.F.A.).

During her teachings, she has been releasing her work to exhibits across the United States. Some cities her work has been in include: “Wayfarers, Brooklyn, NY; FM Gallery, Chicago, IL; Gallery 924 at the Arts Council of Indianapolis, IN; Huntsville Museum of Art, AL; Edington Gallery in Three Oaks, MI; Artfields Competition in Lake City, SC; Gallery13 in Minneapolis, MN; The Front, New Orleans, LA; and InLight Richmond in Richmond, VA.”

Currently, Holloway is the Associate Professor of Sculpture at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, inspiring her students to create the same outstanding work as her!

First Impressions:

Originally, when I heard the title, Burn the Midnight Oil, I took it very literally. I thought Holloway’s pieces were going to be Oil paintings that incorporated night theming. However, when I walked into the Amelia Center art gallery, I was stunned at the pieces that were so gorgeously presented. As I traversed the room, I took note of the intricate design and detail on each of the animal creations. I also was in awe of the way that Holloway could hide the electrical workings on each statue. One of the key pieces entitled ‘Feeling Light Headed’ shows a deer with long, golden, chandelier-like antlers. This piece was the star of the show in my opinion. The detail in the deer, the beauty of the light fixtures, everything was chef’s kiss. I had no choice but to leave a note in the notebook by the exit letting Ms. Holloway know that her work is inspiring and sureal!

Exhibit Hours:

If you would like to see Burn the Midnight Oil for yourself, refer to the following information about the exhibit:

Where: Amelia G. Tapper Center at Gulf Coast State College

When: Available January 24th to February 21st
             Monday through Thursday: 10:00 A.M.- 6:00 P.M.
             Friday: 10:00 A.M.- 4:00 P.M.

How Much: Admission is completely FREE and available to the general public!

Make sure you stop by this exhibit before it’s too late!

 

 

 

 

 

Malachi Miller

Student Writer - Spring 2025