Visiting artist engages students through hands-on work as part of ArtsFest Advance!

UW-La Crosse art students had a rare opportunity this spring to see how a professional artist thinks, problem-solves, and adapts in real time. During a weeklong visit in March, Virginia-based artist Travis Head worked alongside students, offering an inside look at his creative process.

Head's residency, solo exhibition and student workshops were part of ArtsFest Advance!- a featured component of UWL's annual ArtsFest celebration. The multi-day event showcases the creativity of students, faculty and staff across the visual and performing arts, culminating in ArtsFest weekend, April 23-26.

"Art students often learn about contemporary artists through lectures, so the chance to work with one in person on campus is rare," says UWL Assistant Professor of Art Zachary Stensen.

Throughout the week, Head collaborated with students across multiple Art Department classes. He led a hands-on workshop in the University Gallery and partnered with Stensen's advanced printmaking students on a shared project.

The visit coincides with the opening of Head's solo exhibition, "Travis Head: Busy Boys, Better Boys," now on display in the University Gallery on the first floor of the Truman T. Lowe Center for the Arts. By working in both the gallery and the Print Media studio, students engaged directly with the techniques and ideas behind the work on view.

In the print studio, advanced students worked alongside Head to produce two screen-printed editions of his work, as well as a multi-color Risograph zine. They participated in every stage of the process, from printing to binding.

"Opportunities like this allow students to collaborate directly with a contemporary artist and create a meaningful, hands-on learning experience they will always remember," says Stensen.