An exhibition next week will highlight the creative work of eight graduating seniors in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Art and Design.
The works will be on display from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Dec. 9-12, in the Surplus Gallery, 432 S. Washington St. A reception in the gallery is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, after commencement exercises.
Each of the students will present pieces of their work as part of their requirement to earn their Bachelor of Fine Art degrees, said Antonio Martinez, associate professor and head of undergraduate studies in the School of Art and Design. The students present their art in class, explaining the processes they used, with faculty providing feedback to refine their work for the exhibition.
The students whose work will be exhibited are:
- Bellwood: Ashley Gordon-Johnson, general art.
- Carbondale: Sydney Connolley, pre-art therapy.
- Chicago: Kacper Surlas, photography.
- Davis Junction: Ania Szarkowicz, communication design.
- Highland: Autumn Meyer, studio art.
- Midlothian: Maya Villarreal, studio art.
- Sparta: Jessie Lawless, studio art.
- Winnebago: Emma Kamholz, studio art.
“For most of our students, participating in a public exhibition is a degree or capstone course requirement for graduation,” Martinez said. “The public exhibition and thesis presentation prepares these students for entering into the fine art gallery scene, applying to MFA art and design programs, or even artist residencies.”
Martinez added that the School of Art and Design faculty look forward “to seeing and celebrating each student’s creative work.”
“We know how much intellectual, physical and creative labor that is invested in each painting, drawing, sculpture, logo design, photograph and etching,” he said.
