Virtual Art Gallery: Home

In 1982/1983, Betsey Weisenfeld, a former director of our HNU campus art gallery, formed the HNU "Friends of Art", which grew out of a figure painting and drawing workshop that she conducted for over 20 years at the school. The artists were comprised mostly of Oakland Art Association members. They used the studio class room, in the Kennedy Building, much the way we still use it today.

In 1991, the group became official although the mission of the group remained the same.

"To promote the interest of Holy Names University Art Program [and] any person interested in promoting the betterment of the Art program at Holy Names University” 

Every Friday when school is in session, the HNU “Friends of Art” hires a model for Life Drawing and Painting. Beginning with a short series of quick “warm-up” poses called “gestures” the group proceeds to compose one work stemming from these earlier "gestures." Lines drawn, transform into motions, shadows, depth, and eventually bodies personifying the model.

When Betsey left the group for Texas in 1993, she donated large printing presses to the Art Deptartment of Holy Names University, which is still in use today! Richard Gunn took over the running of the group for several years, followed by Tomalena Sweeney, who managed the group until 2014.

Holy Names University “Friends of Art” is extremely grateful to the Art Faculty of Holy Names University, who act as liaison between the University and our association.

 -- Special thanks to long standing HNU “Friends of Art” member, Joan Aochi, for providing most of this history information of the group and Lorraine Bruce & Patty Garrett for their support.

For more information about the artists and artwork please contact Lorraine Bruce: lmbruce@pacbell.net

Paul J. Cushing Library is pleased to present, Go Figure, our first virtual art exhibit featuring the Holy Names University Friends of Art group.   

Our newly created Virtual Art Gallery supports art and artists traditionally exhibited within the library. Due to current shelter-in-place orders we are happy to bring our community together virtually. 

Enjoy the show! 

If you're feeling inspired to create your own art or brush up on your skills, check out these books available in our collection!