The Contemporary Art Gallery (CAG) will end its season this semester with the Senior Thesis Art Exhibition. Running from Nov. 15 through Dec. 8, the show will display 32 seniors’ artwork, made throughout the past semesters.
The opening reception will be on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. and is open to everyone interested in seeing unique artwork by dedicated students.
“In order to graduate from our department with a degree in art, you have to pass a senior review,” said Dale Newkirk, associate professor of fine and performing arts and gallery director. “It’s like an exam where you present your work to a panel of faculty members. The senior review is in preparation for the senior thesis exhibition.”
The exhibition marks the end of their time at Southeastern, and it shows how far they have come as artists. According to Newkirk, he is currently working on making sure there is adequate space for each student to display their work.
“I kind of divide the gallery up so each student has their own section in the gallery, their own space. We have 32 this semester, which is more than I’ve ever had, the most being 27,” said Newkirk. “So they get a section, and they’re showing where they are as artists at that time before graduating and moving on.”
Every concentration that is offered in the Bachelor’s of Art degree will be showcased throughout the exhibition. Printmaking, drawing, painting, photography, visual arts, new media and animation, ceramics, sculpture and graphic design students will all have the chance to show friends, family, faculty and staff how far they have come throughout their years in the art department. This year, graphic design makes up for almost half of the artists.
The honor of the night is that each student will “be able to graduate,” said Newkirk. “This is a very important event for each of them, and their friends and families all get to witness their hard work. It’s a big deal.”
After the exhibition, the CAG’s next show will be in January, and it will be the faculty art show.