Posting Date: October 15, 2009
Fall 2009 Senior Art Exhibitions: Showcasing four years’ worth of artistic creativity
By Jonquil Harris
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Student visits art exhibition |
It may be difficult to imagine what it must be like to gather four years of artwork that has been conceptualized, created, revised and critiqued and assemble it all into one exhibit for the world to see. This is the rewarding task that all senior visual arts majors encounter before they graduate from Kennesaw State University’s Visual Arts program. Along with taking various art history courses, as well as courses from their major concentrations, art students also have the opportunity to showcase their professional student portfolios in a gallery setting.
Senior graphic communications major Brittany Alsobrook is excited about her body of work being put on display. She has studied past senior exhibits and is always pleased with the aesthetics as well as the staff. “The exhibits are always done in such a professional manner,” Alsobrook says. “The staff at KSU is absolutely awesome.”
She will take part in Exhibit I for graphic communications and art education majors and is hard at work selecting her most advanced work to put on display. Alsobrook says, “Everything that will be in the show is already complete. We are just working on finalizing and staging the pieces.” What is most exciting for Alsobrook is that, unlike a juried exhibition in which artists typically showcase one piece, the senior exhibit allows visitors to see a broader spectrum of the artists’ works. Within the realm of graphic design, she specifically enjoys logo design and branding. One of her final classes is “Design Strategy” and she is hoping to incorporate some of that work into the exhibit.
Senior art major Morgan Booker also looks forward to the exhibit experience. She says, “I don’t perceive it to be an accumulation of collegiate work, but rather the product of four years of higher education that includes your recent and best work. I believe what is presented is the work of a senior who is skilled and conceptually evolved. It also provides proof of four years of dedication and perseverance.”
Booker’s work will be displayed in the Fall Senior Exhibition II, which showcases artwork in drawing and painting, sculpture and ceramics, and photography and printmaking. She has chosen to include paintings and Intaglio prints and is also toying with the idea of incorporating some of her photography.
While preparing for the exhibit, students are also given resume and biography guidance and are provided with all the necessary tools they will need to effectively promote themselves in the real world.
Booker promises that the exhibits will be “powerful. What my graduating class has going for it is that we are a competitive bunch–we are passionate about what we do and won’t settle for putting on a lukewarm show.” Citing playful banter as constant motivation for all artists involved, the end result has been camaraderie that fosters supportive artists who are able to maintain their artistic individuality.
Senior Exhibition I opens with a reception on Oct. 27, which will allow family and friends of the artists to view the works, and will run until Nov. 9. Senior Exhibition II opens soon after on Nov. 17-Dec. 3 and will also have an opening reception on Nov. 17. Both exhibitions will be on display at the Art Gallery, Sturgis Library and are free to the public.
For more information, visit http://www.kennesaw.edu/arts.