From April 6 through May 4, the Senior Art Exhibition will be held in the Frankie G. Weems Gallery in the Gaddy-Hamrick Art Center. Five graduating seniors, including Lydia Gunn, Madeleine Johns, Rachael Lautenbach, Candice Lillard and Kristin Morin, will be displaying their work during this year's exhibition, titled “Exposed.” The event can be attended in person or on Zoom with prior registration.
The Herald interviewed Lisa Pearce, Associate Professor of Art, about what students and faculty can expect if they are interested in attending.
“This show unapologetically exposes the raw thoughts and experiences of individuals and communities…who use the collection of their unique voices and perspectives to explore movement through both physical and emotional spaces, feelings of otherness and alienation within those spaces and the grasp we have on the reality of our own identities,” Pearce said.
Each artist will be bringing their own individuality into this exhibition. When speaking about the theme for the art pieces this year, Pearce explained that there is a “wide range of artistic mediums” used in the exhibit, including painting, mixed media, photography, fiber works and others.
“The artists use their unique approach to style, color and presentation to openly share their perspectives on and experiences with issues like mental health, trauma, displacement, culture, escape from reality, self-image, faith and the healing power of art,” Pearce said.
Preparing for exhibitions such as this one takes several hours of work for the artists. When asked about the preparation process, Pearce said that “students begin by selecting a carefully curated body of work they plan to exhibit…students develop[ed] marketing and publicity materials from business cards, postcards and artist statements along with other professional materials.”
According to the Weems Gallery website, “the featured artists want their works to exist as an invitation for viewers to experience an exposed meditation on the human condition both globally and personally.” The Frankie G. Weems Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
By Haileigh West, Staff Writer