As students prepare for their final exams, 32 graduating seniors in the visual arts major are relaxing because their hard work on final art pieces have been judged, graded and passed. As a reward, the Senior Exhibition displays each graduate’s work for the entire community to view.
The exhibition opened on Thursday, April 25 with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Contemporary Art Gallery.
At the reception, graduates, their families and friends gathered to view the animations, paintings and graphics.
“This is the largest show we’ve ever had,” said Dale Newkirk, director of the CAG. “So far, almost every semester we’ve had more and more graduates. That has made the installation of this show challenging because we’ve used every square foot of space that we have. There’s over 300 art objects in here, so it’s a lot of work. There’s a diverse range of work, so that’s always a healthy thing.”   
In order to graduate, visual arts students must submit a final portfolio for senior review before they are allowed to display their art in the Senior Exhibition. After passing the review, students are responsible for mounting their own pieces in the gallery.
A collection of work by Dana DeNoux features leaves that hang from the ceiling to enhance the autumn trees in her five paintings.  
“It’s just a big relief to have everything done,” said DeNoux, who will graduate with a concentration in painting. “I’m excited to see it all together. I’m happy that it’s all over.”
The front wall that visitors first see when entering the CAG is covered in graphic designs by Joe Doyle.
“I was completely stoked to get the front wall. It completely blew my mind,” said Doyle. “It was kind of a last second thing, I was rushing to get everything together like everybody else, and I knew I had to deliver since I had the front wall, so the pressure was on.”
According to Newkirk, 17 of the 32 graduating seniors have a concentration in graphic design.
“All the students worked really hard,” said Newkirk. “I’m very impressed. A number of the graphic designers already have jobs in their field.”
Visual arts students planning to graduate next year attended the opening to view the artwork and socialize with their peers.
“I’m really proud of all of the people who have put in work this semester,” said Kait McKey, a visual arts senior who graduates next year. “Just to see the way they’ve grown, not only as artists but as people, is really impressive.”
Anyone can view the Senior Art Exhibition in the Southeastern Contemporary Art Gallery during its regular hours through May 15. For more information, view the Department of Fine and Performing Arts page on the university website.