Seniors majoring in fine arts have been hard at work preparing for their final exhibit that is to be on display in Campanella Gallery Nov. 18 through Dec. 18.
“I’m excited about this exhibit because a lot of students don’t get an opportunity to see what we’re accomplishing over here in the Art department,” said Amelia Jenny, senior in fine arts. “This is the perfect time to show them what we’re doing.”
For other artists on display, the exhibit is an opportunity to highlight how they have developed as an artist.
“During my education and career I have changed a lot as an artist and a person,” said Jessica Crane, who is a double major in fine arts and secondary education.
“This show has given me the opportunity to see all of the life’s decisions at work and how it has affected my perspective on art and myself as an artist,” said Crane.
The students were able to choose their median of choice for their final project.
“My median is photography. More specifically photos from around the Kansas City West Bottoms area,” said Jenny.
Also on display will be canvas paintings by Jessica Crane and Ashley Stapleton.
For these seniors, the inspiration for their work came from various sources.
“To me, art is a way to escape,” said Jenny. “I am inspired by the moment, so it may be a different thing with each different date. For my photographs, I wanted to focus on forgotten and lonely objects to see how beautiful they truly are.”
“For my work, I was also inspired by Ansel Adams, and I wanted to be able to incorporate lights and darks for dramatic contrasts,” she said.
Crane said her source of inspiration came from her surroundings.
“Nature inspires me with all of its unusual colors and shapes,” she said “It is amazing how nature is everywhere and yet we fail to see all of its beauty it has to offer us.”
Park has taught these artists skills that are useful both in and out of the classroom.
“My path at Park has taught me many things from basic life skills and knowledge, to perseverance and most importantly, time management,” said Jenny.
Crane said the art exhibit has pushed her work forward.
“(Park and this senior exhibit) has forced me to ask myself very hard questions about who I am and what I am capable of,” Crane said. “Overall, it has pushed me to be more successful in my dreams.”
These seniors have big plans after Park, and this exhibit has been only the first step to what they plan to achieve.
“After Park, I hope to go to Emporia for their Master’s program in art therapy,” said Jenny.
Crane said that with her double major she ultimately wants to be a college professor.
“My dream is to have my own gallery in the art district that doubles as a bakery and coffee house,” she said.
The exhibit is open to the public now. Jenny said she knows that the exhibit will be amazing.
“I had the opportunity to work with some very talented artists who were really nice,” she said. “There was a lot of stress and pressure that went into putting this exhibit together, but it will definitely pay off in the end.”
