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The South ��ֱ���� State University School of Design is hosting a new alumni gallery exhibit, “Now and Then,” in the Ritz Gallery in Grove Hall on the SDSU campus. The solo exhibition features the work of art educator Michael Aasness, who is the grades 6-12 art instructor at Sioux Valley School District in Volga. 

Artwork will be on display from Dec. 9 through Jan. 17. An opening reception is planned for Monday, Dec. 9, from 4-6 p.m., with artist remarks at 5 p.m. 

The solo exhibition features a wide range of artworks, including paintings, mixed media, sculptures, pottery and a gallery process wall. The Ritz Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Aasness is a 2017 SDSU graduate with a Bachelor of Science in art education and a painting certificate. He has been the 6-12 art instructor for Sioux Valley School District since 2017 and is currently in his eighth year of teaching. 

In the 2020-21 school year, Aasness was named "Teacher of the Year" for Sioux Valley School District and was nominated for South ��ֱ���� Art Educator of the Year. 

As an artist, Aasness continues to exhibit his artwork professionally throughout the Midwest. This includes a number of solo and group exhibitions throughout his career. The alumni exhibition “Now and Then” follows his most recent show “TEACH,” held this past fall at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center in New York Mills, Minnesota, which featured the work of art educators Aasness and Peder Butenhoff, with a nod to Jim Borgreen. 

"I am honored and thankful to share my artwork in an alumni solo exhibition at my alma mater, SDSU. Throughout my teaching career, I have continued to create artwork and exhibit my work professionally, always continuing to learn and grow in my craft. The artworks displayed in the exhibition ‘Now and Then’ features artwork created throughout my teaching career and reflects various imagery around me including memories, objects, landscapes and different perspectives.” 

The gallery is closed on weekends, state holidays and during SDSU's winter break: Dec. 19-Jan 12. Weekday gallery hours resume with the start of the spring semester on Jan. 13, 2025.