Written by Abbey Williams // Photo provided by Edgar Cardiel
The Art and Design Department has curated a showcase of work by alumni, faculty and staff spanning the century. The exhibit, Centennial: Reflecting on 100 Years of Art and Design, has been open since Oct. 23 and will conclude Nov. 16. This showcase is part of Harding’s yearlong Centennial celebration.
Professor of art and design John Keller said current art students could gather ideas from the showcase.
“For art majors, seeing the art of people that went to Harding before is probably no more significant than studying famous art,” Keller said. “But it’s still seeing what’s been done in the past because in the end, the more you know about art, the more it generates new ideas.”
Harding alumna Chelsea Baber is among those who submitted art for the exhibition. Baber submitted a piece she made at Harding titled “The Smell of Coffee.” Baber said the collection of all the different art pieces submitted is encouraging.
“I was thrilled to have it accepted into the exhibition,” Baber said. “I think it’s really exciting and encouraging to see different works submitted throughout the years at Harding, and I’m looking forward to seeing the exhibition this coming weekend.”
Harding alumna Amanda Beller has two works displayed in the exhibition.
“My work is oil painting over mixed media collage, usually of vintage materials, like paper and fabric,” Beller said. “I paint on wood primarily.”
Beller said people can learn from seeing art shows.
“I think it is valuable to see how artists’ work has grown and developed over the years,” Beller said.
Junior Olivia Williams said she values the fact that alumni still have a place here after graduation.
“The art department has always felt like a family to me, so I think this show is just a natural extension,” Williams said. “It is comforting to know that even once I graduate, there will still be a place for me in the department I love so much. I can only imagine alumni feel similarly.”
Williams said the exhibition is also a way for current students to see the department’s past.
“I think keeping Harding alumni in contact with current students is very important in the art department,” Williams said. “It is a way for current students to see where the department came from and for the former students to see where it’s going.”
