Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Chad Erpelding, assistant professor of art at Stephen F. Austin State University, currently has a piece of artwork on display at the Koltsovo International Airport in Yekaterinburg, Russia. His digital print "Topography: Intergovernmental Organizations: Commonwealth of Independent States" is included in the exhibition "Illuminators," which focuses on work that is in the form of a circle. "Illuminators" means "port hole" in Russian, such as a window in an airplane or a ship.

Erpelding's print consists of the contour shapes of the countries that are part of the Commonwealth of Independent States (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan) layered upon one another.

"On first glance it appears to be a jumble of small lines," said Erpedling. "But upon further exploration, the shapes of the countries begin to emerge."

The piece, measuring over six feet in diameter and suspended from the ceiling, was featured on Russia Channel 2 during a review of the exhibition.

"Illuminators" will be on display until Friday, July 11. The international exhibition showcases over 100 artists from all over the world. Yekaterinburg is located in the central part of Russia. With a population of over one million residents, it is the fifth largest city in the country.

Erpelding joined the SFA faculty in 2006 after completing his Master of Fine Arts in 2D studio art at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Algona, Iowa, native earned his undergraduate degree in studio art from Central University of Iowa where he participated in a study-abroad program at Trinity University in Carmarthan, Wales.

His art has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Texas, Illinois, Maine, Alaska, Oregon, Iowa, Missouri and Massachusetts.