Maryville College's senior Art and Design students are getting a distinctive sendoff this April, as their final works grace the galleries of the Clayton Center for the Arts. With a showcase stretching from April 1 through April 25, the students present a varied collection of projects from graphic novels to large-scale paintings and more, as per Maryville College News.
The senior art show, an embodiment of the students' hard work and artistic expression, split its showcase into two segments. Dr. Adrienne Schwarte, chair of the Division of Fine Arts, underlined this significant stage in their educational path: "Art and Design seniors work on a one or two-semester creative project on a topic of their choosing integrating their primary medium of study," as stated by Maryville College News. The display includes digital, ceramics, photography, and print media, among others.
Opened on April 1, the first batch of students' work, featuring three artists, will be accessible for viewing through April 11. Alyson Ament, a Design major, showcased "Hamlet and Dexter," a touching digital illustration series for a children’s book about loss and grief. A second Design major, Tonatiuh "Tona" Guerrero, presented "Beyond Aesthetics: How Color in Posters Shapes Emotional Perception," a study on the influence of color in graphic design. Lastly, Sean Moore delved into the depths of memory with "Nostalgia and the Ephemeral Memory in Photography," using his camera to unlock and capture moments of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of memory, as detailed by Maryville College News. The Friday reception on April 11 marks the closing event for this trio of artists.
On April 14, another seven students will step into the limelight with their exhibits through April 25. With each project reflecting a personal narrative or research, the students breach traditional mediums and concepts. For instance, Gabe Neubert's "Clay-ology" explores psychological disorders through the lens of ceramics. Alejandra "Ale" Blanco used plaster as an artistic medium, inspired by childhood memories. She aims "to highlight their unique textures while creating a mural at Maryville College that demonstrates plaster’s ability to enhance both visual and tactile experiences in spaces," as she told Maryville College News. The second reception, penciled for April 25, celebrates these students' work and their academic sojourn.
Operating from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the gallery provides not just a visual feast but a testament to the creativity fostered within the halls of Maryville College. For additional details, the Clayton Center box office can be contacted at 865-981-8590.
