The Olen Hendrix art gallery is hosting a juried student art show located on the third floor of the Olen Hendrix building. The show will be on display until Feb. 6.
Professor of art and gallery coordinator, Dr. John Keller said this is their first year having a juried show, which is a show open to all art majors where pieces are selected by art department faculty members.
“We’re wanting the students to get used to entering their work into juried shows,” Keller said. “One of the benefits of it is that if they make it into this show, that’s a resume item.”
With this being the first year for a juried show, Keller said they are hoping to make it a tradition every spring semester. Keller said seniors are pressed to have things to put into resumes with little job experience except senior shows, branding and interior design shows and capstones for interior design majors.
“This show is going to represent better pieces of original work, that’s what we’re looking for,” Keller said. “Eventually, we would really like to find students entering pieces that are not done for a class.”
Senior Sarah Walker entered her printmaking piece “Alphonse Mucha Karp,” from her final project for a printmaking class, which will be featured in the show.
Walker said her creation represents Magikarp, a Pokemon character, which is a precious symbol alongside her favorite artist, Alphonse Mucha.
“I wanted to share this in the show because it makes my heart smile and I would like others to share that joy, even if it’s just a chuckle or two,” Walker said.
Walker said the show is important to her because of her little experience in galleries. She said art is generally easy, but preparing it for a show is critical.
“We put our heart and soul into each of our pieces and we all create art for a variety of reasons,” Walker said. “I’d encourage the Harding community to drop by the gallery and have their heart touched, even as a stress relief activity; to go see something bright and beautiful.”
Junior graphic design major Becca Henthorne said she plans to enter next year and encourages all art students to make efforts to enter because it supports the department.
“It helps them gain exposure,” Henthorne said. “I think it provides students with a chance to showcase their work and gain gallery experience.”
