The NIU Art Museum’s fall exhibit “Contemporary Artists: Exploring Relevant Social Issues” features two galleries that are eye-opening to any audience.

The first of the two galleries, “Embarrassment of Riches” features visual art by six Midwestern artists who describe their views on the human race’s relationship with the Earth and its resources.

The art in this gallery was truly breathtaking, especially to someone such as me who had never been to an art exhibit at the NIU Art Museum. It included works such as, “Bog Coral” by Mary Ellen Croteau, which featured a sculpture of sea coral made with plastic and yarn.

Another piece of art featured ceiling-high columns made of plastic lids from different products such as laundry detergent and snack foods.

The second gallery, “Unloaded,” was even more breathtaking. The nationally touring exhibit featured work from more than 20 artists and included visual and media art focusing on the use of guns in every day society.

Some pieces used imagery from soldiers overseas and children wearing bullet proof vests and holding guns, while others showed photos of minuscule things in our society such as children playing with squirt guns.

These two galleries portrayed the artists’ views on some very controversial issues in our society and should be viewed by all audiences.