A melancholy black maternity dress covered in moths and spider webs, a bowl of spaghetti overflowing with people, or a painter hard at work in her studio. From personal to social responses, when all of these things are brought together, you have a small chunk of the student art show that proudly hangs in the Gallery of Founder’s Hall. The pieces of work by our fellow Guilford students are no less than extraordinary. They range from sculptures, to printmaking, paintings, ceramics, and drawings.
Taking over two rooms upstairs in Founders, the art exhibits represens the hard work put into the show each year.
Opening night was Thurs, Nov.7. People gathered from on and off campus to see Guilford student’s work.
Junior Matt Shelton was awarded first place in printmaking for his woodcut of a small boy standing in the snow. Senior Noah Howard got first place for his series of two paintings of a grave man standing amongst a pattern of circles, entitled “Breathe, Breath.” Senior Michela Maxwell, awarded first place in photography, had a black and white photo of a girl upright in a chair.
Senior Despina Statelova won first place for both sculpture, with her body cast of a female figure, and for design with her small painting of a close-up portrait of a woman. Senior John Boyd was awarded first place in ceramics for his exquisite plate.
Junior Nate Finley, who entered art in the design, woodcut, and drawing categories, said, “I thought it was a really strong showing of the art department.”
For those who don’t frequent the art building 24/7, this is an excellent opportunity to see what they are up to over there.
Statelova noticed that there was a lot more competition to get art into the show this year, which only means that there is a lot more work that wasn’t hung in the gallery.
One alumni member said that this was the strongest student art show they had ever seen. “It was not just several excellent pieces, but proved to be consistently outstanding,” said Art Department head Adele Wayman.
Many pieces express personal reflecton in many of the pieces. Shelton, who won second place for his painting, portrayes himself amongst red crosses in a piece that remains untitled. Another painting, by Ruby Kilgo, depicts a crucifix, the Mother Mary, and two eyes shedding tears. The Dali-esque style of her painting suggests surrealism.
“There was a lot more work about spirituality,” said Statelova. “Whether it was about religion or personal reflection, they all make a strong personal statement. There are three or four pieces referring to Christianity and that is NOT typical.”
For those of you who have not had time to go to the student art show, make time.
Senior Scott Morgan, who doesn’t spend time in the art building, was very impressed with what he saw in the show. “The great thing about student art is that it’s completely original. I had never seen any of this art before,” said Morgan.
“I hope this could lead to more shows throughout the year,” said Finley. “I wish the student art show wasn’t such an isolated event.”
It is worth your while to go check out the student art show. You’ll be amazed at the talent of your classmates who you sit next to every day.