“Another Winter”: Exhibit Features Senior Artwork
As graduation approaches and seniors’ journeys at Viterbo come to an end, many graduates experience their last major academic requirements. Nov. 14 introduced two art majors, Michaela Bryant and Luke Wodzak, to one of their final capstone experiences.
Senior art exhibits are a part of each art student’s capstone experience. This means during their senior year, all art majors, whether in studio art or art education, curate and install a selection of their works in the Viterbo University Gallery on the third floor of the Fine Arts Center.
Both students, along with faculty input were involved in making the major decisions about their exhibition.
The students are involved in every step of the process from inception, including designing promotion materials such as postcards and posters, framing and other presentation considerations, designing the installation, lighting, and organizing the reception. The students often participate in additional activities, such as bringing the gallery back to its original state when the exhibit is over.
Sherri Lisota, the gallery director, Art Department chair and an academic advisor both supported and help the exhibit come alive by working closely with the students throughout the process. Lisota is the first to teach studio art courses to both art majors and non-majors.
“While a lot of work goes into mounting an exhibition with all its many pieces,” explains Lisota, “it’s rewarding to see the vision of the show come to fruition through student’s eyes, and then to see the audience’s reception of it.”
Lisota explains students experience a great sense of pride at the culmination of years of work when their show opens.
This particular art exhibit known as “Another Winter” featured an accumulation of 35 works by Bryant and Wodzak.
“Michaela exhibited largely oil paintings, which is her Bachelor of Fine Arts concentration,” explains Lisota. Bryant also exhibited some ceramics and a book of photographs.
Wodzak exhibited photographs and digital prints, as well as two short animated films.
The turnout for the audience at the student’s exhibit was impressive.
“Michalea and Luke’s opening reception was very well attended by students, community members, faculty and staff, and alumni faculty and students,” says Lisota.
The audience had significant reactions to the work as well.
“Many people are surprised when they see the level of work accomplished by students when they come to the show,” explains Lisota. “Much work goes quietly on each day on the art floor, and the senior exhibits are a time for public unveiling and celebration of the dedicated work of each art student.”
Lisota explains that works of art speak differently to individuals. Many of the works spoke profoundly to audience members and welcomed comments and reactions such as “Incredible!” and “I had no idea!”
“Another Winter” proves to be one more successful exhibit. Good luck to Bryant and Wodzak as they seek new adventures after Viterbo.