Student Art Shows on Display

There is a new art show on display in the main gallery of the Alexander Fine Arts Center. There will be a reception and viewing for the new installation on November 10 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and refreshments and light appetizers will be provided for all. 

    Dr. Jack Sheffler, the Fine Arts Division Chair, provides more information about the exhibit: “This is their senior capstone experience. And there are a variety of artists. Some are studio artists. Some are graphic designers. And some are art education students. It’s a mixed bag of wonder.”

    Dr. Sheffler also spoke on the specifics of the artwork and more on the artists, “It (the media used) should be what’s within their major. Some people are double majors. All the artists created posters, and they also advertise in the local news.”

    He goes on to mention that if any piece catches your eye, it is available for purchase. “And all the work is for sale usually. They have a little price list they have to create.” The students’ work is also featured in the newly renovated Alumni Memorial Gallery which is directly upstairs in the same building. Works were priced from thirty-five to one hundred dollars. 

    Featured artist Kayla Harrison spoke about the inspiration for her work. She said “The inspiration for my work comes from my belief in the need for environmental conservation. I feel we need to look more closely at how we are hurting the animals of the Earth.” Harrison went on to talk about her time at Concord University saying “It has been a wonderful experience. I am overwhelmed by the number of positive comments and feedback I have received just since Monday.”

    She also decided her favorite piece saying, “Hmm. It’s a very close race between the polar bear and great white shark.” Harrison also gave advice to aspiring artists, “Never give up. Sometimes things will get hard and sometimes you will be so overwhelmed it is hard to see when the end will come, but as long as you keep at it, everything you work for will be worth it.”

    Heather Webb is a West Virginian Artist who has also had her work highlighted by Concord University. “Honestly, it was really exciting. I’ve always shown my work to people but never had them actually displayed. It was also a bit stressful, in a good way, to make sure everything is ready on time, and wondering how your work will be received to others. Since up until the show, teachers are really the only to see your work.”

 Heather also talked about her inspiration: “For the work I displayed, and the photos I took and still take, I really get inspired [by] the things that are out of place in whatever location I’m at. In a way the things people forgot about or just tossed away.” When asked if she would consider showing her work at Concord University again, Webb said “absolutely. My experiences there, not only with my show, but with the others I shared the gallery with, and the teachers. It was great to see and feel the support of those around you and those who helped push you along the way.”

    There will be another show featuring other graduating seniors starting November 14.