Emily Pawlowski | Echo
"It is always a challenge to come up with one unified show that displays ten to fifteen different students' artwork," said Ryan James, assistant professor of art.
But 11 seniors overcame that challenge with their new exhibit: "Uncovered."
Approximately 500 people walked through the Metcalf Gallery on March 29, the opening night of the show. There, the seniors spent two hours showcasing their work and handing out business cards to visitors.
"It was so great to see so many people interested in what all of us have been doing," senior Hailey Smith said. "I enjoyed discussing my process with people, especially the overwhelmed strangers. With all the work we put into it, it was really relieving to finally share the event with my colleagues, friends, and family."
The exhibit has been a long time coming for some. Preparation began in the fall, during a portfolio class designed to help students organize their work to show to future employers.
That work continued into this semester during the exhibition class. Students learned how to present themselves professionally, while still showing off their own personality.
"The experience of planning an art exhibition to showcase our work collectively is something each of us will always remember," senior Emily Voth said. "It was a special night; I am so proud of my classmates for making it so great, and putting on an incredible show."
Everything in the show was organized and created by the students involved. This included the display pieces, business cards and posters that were hung around campus. Outside of the exhibits themselves, many of the students also created posters, cards and clothing to sell at the opening night.
All of this work led back to the main theme of the show. Students hoped the exhibit would be a time for them to share a deeper part of themselves with their audience. They also saw it as a chance for the audience to do their own journey of discover as they examined the different pieces on display.
Campus reaction to the exhibit has been majorly positive.
"We got a lot of compliments on their behalf from other professors and students and overall it's just a really great show this year," James said.
For those who missed opening night, "Uncovered" is still open. It can be seen until 12 in the Metcalf Gallery.
