By MEGAN SPRAY
Students in the visual arts program at Northwestern will soon display their work as part of their senior capstone and involvement in the upcoming art show.
The art show will be at the J.W. Martin Library on the Alva campus March 13-31.
The exhibition will feature artwork from graduating seniors who have spent the past few years developing their artistic skills and preparing pieces that represent their interests and experiences. The senior capstones will be held during the final weeks of the semester and will highlight a variety of artistic styles and media.
Thomas Cornell, assistant professor of visual arts, said the show is an important moment for students who have grown in the program. He also shared his favorite part about teaching art.
“It’s the collaborative nature of working with students and kind of getting to see things from their viewpoint and figuring out, like, what’s going on in the world that’s affecting the students that I have the joy to work with,” Cornell said.
Cornell said this senior class is unique because they have spent the last three years learning from both Professor Poindexter and himself.
“We’ve had the opportunity to work with them and help them grow as artists and guide their conceptual and technical development,” he said.
Senior artists say their work reflects their personal passions and experiences.
Macy Eads, an art minor, said her pieces are ins
pired by her Christian faith and include references to Bible verses and personal testimony.
“My art pieces center on my testimony and my faith,” Eads said. “In each piece, different Bible verses are referenced, along with blessings I have seen and received throughout my life.”
Eads will display several types of artwork, including acrylic paintings, wood engravings and prints. She also created a cardboard vending machine that will allow visitors to receive a free print during the show.
“I am excited for this art show because it’s a chance to spread the joy I have received from finding Jesus,” she said.
Elayna Warrington, a senior art minor, said her artwork focuses on wildlife and reflects her long-time interest in animals.
“I’ve been in love with animals and art since I was little,” Warrington said. “I’ve always wanted to incorporate the art I make into a wildlife conservation career that I’ve been equally excited about, so a lot of my work centers around wildlife.”
She said the show is an opportunity to share her work with others.
“I’m excited to display my capstone project not only to show friends and family my progress as an artist, but to share with new people the things I love and hold very close to my heart,” Warrington said.
Gabriel Bussinger, a senior art minor, said art has always been an important outlet for him.
“For me, art is really my getaway,” Bussinger said. “It’s therapeutic and takes away the stresses I have.”
Bussinger said he is looking forward to the community experiencing the artwork.
“I think why I’m most excited is for the community to just enjoy art like we used to,” he said.
The art show is open to students and community members who want to see the work created by the Northwestern community, with senior capstones to follow in the second half of the semester.