Art exhibit, lecture at BCU features works of local potter
Posted September 5, 2002

The Briar Cliff University Art Department announces that Jeff Baldus, a well known Siouxland artist and community leader, will be the featured artist for this year's Sister Jordan Dahm, O.S.F., Exhibition/Lectureship in the Visual Arts.

"This is a special endowed exhibition and lectureship that the art department has in the name of a past president of BCU," said Bill Welu, chairman of the art department. "We expect quite a crowd, because of Jeff's connections to the community and his reputation as an artist."

In her 10-year tenure as president at Briar Cliff, Sister Jordan impacted a variety of areas of the university. The '60s were a time of unrest for most of the nation's college campuses. But with Sister Jordan Dahm as president, it was a time of unprecedented growth and enlightenment at Briar Cliff.

In 1962, the college was incorporated separately from its affiliation with the Franciscan Community. Enrollment jumped from 624 students to 1,100 students. College personnel increased from 64 faculty, staff and administrators to 116 faculty, staff and administrators. In 1966, the college, for the first time, began accepting male students. Also, in 1966, the college adopted the innovative three-term academic calendar.

Under Sister Jordan Dahm, Briar Cliff built the Library, and three residence halls: Alverno, Toller, and Noonan. A gymnasium (now the Theatre) was constructed. New major fields of study were adopted and pre-professional programs were expanded. In 1963, Briar Cliff's Offices of Development and Public Relations were established. In 1969, Briar Cliff's Office of Financial Aid was added.

The success of these extraordinary changes at Briar Cliff were largely due to Sister Jordan Dahm's effective leadership style - a style marked by her belief in working collaboratively with all segments of the college, especially those who would be affected by a particular decision. As president, Sister Jordan believed leadership meant listening, raising questions, encouraging the creative use of each individual's gifts, and trusting and empowering coworkers to carry out their responsibilities.

In May of 2000, Briar Cliff awarded Sister Jordan with an honorary doctorate. Since leaving Briar Cliff, Sister Jordan has provided leadership to the Franciscan community in numerous ways. For example, she wrote the fourth volume of the history of the Dubuque Franciscans and directed the renovation of the chapel in the Mother House in Dubuque.

Sister Jordan hired both Bill and Judy Welu, long-time professors in the BCU art department. "We have many close ties and a world of respect for her," explained Judy Welu, associate professor of art at Briar Cliff. "She is truly amazing and that's why we named the art department lectureship and exhibit in honor of her legacy at Briar Cliff." The Welu's didn't stop there with the naming-their son Jordan is named in honor of Sister Jordan as well.

The Art Department has a very close relationship with her. "We are so impressed with her leadership and spirituality," said Welu. "Sister Jordan was an economist, but had a lot of qualities that tied her to the art department. She was always very supportive of us and the art department at Briar Cliff."

Judy Welu added that she thinks Baldus is a good fit for this year's exhibit. "This is the first time we are hosting a lectureship and an exhibit. Usually it's just a lectureship," explained Welu. "Jeff will talk about his works during a Gallery Talk, and really give an in-depth look at what inspires him to create his art and how he perfects what he is making." Baldus graduated in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in art from Briar Cliff. He currently teaches a pottery class as an adjunct faculty member of the art department.

While at BC, Baldus studied under Mary Ann Lonergan and Bill Welu. He has been a studio potter for the past 10 years, and his works are primarily functional stoneware with high fire glazes. Baldus says he is strongly influenced by Eastern traditions as well as several artists including Bernard Leach, Warren MacKenzie and Toshiko Takaesu. He has a studio in his home. Baldus' works are included in numerous private collections throughout the United States and abroad. Several diocesan churches have commissioned works from Baldus for use in liturgical functions. This current exhibit will focus on new works by Baldus, which are very large in scale and reminiscent of early Chinese storage jars.

Baldus is a very active member in the Siouxland Community. He was a founding member of the Cathedral Arts Guild and serves as the Art Editor for the Briar Cliff Review, an award-winning publication of art, poetry and stories from people all across Siouxland. He has been very involved as a volunteer and board member of the Sioux City Art Center and currently serves as the vice president of the Sioux City Art Center Association Board. Baldus, who grew up in the Carroll area and graduated from

Kuemper Catholic High School, has been the Executive Vice President of Human Resources for Boys and Girls Home and Family Services, Inc. since January of 1993. Boys and Girls Home is a human service organization that has over 700 employees in Iowa and Nebraska serving at-risk children and families.

Baldus' works will be on display at the Clausen Art Gallery (in the Stark Student Center at BCU) through Sept. 27. Art Gallery hours for the exhibit will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 2 - 27 (Monday through Friday). A special formal reception will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Gallery Talk at 6 p.m. Admission to the Clausen Art Galley and the reception is free and open to the public.