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Roberts Visual Art Department Senior Exhibition 2023
On Monday, April 24th, the Roberts Wesleyan University Department of Visual Art hosted its annual Senior Exhibition gallery opening.
The Capstone Project is the culmination of four years of growth and exploration as students define their visual voice. Students transition from instructor-led projects to developing their studio practice and exploring their conceptual curiosities.
“I am delighted by the growth I have seen in all the students, especially in the past year,” shares Romy Hosford, Associate Professor of Art. “They have worked hard, as our students always do, but have overcome a lot with two and a half years of the pandemic interrupting their academic experience. They were first-year students when the world shut down, and look at them now; they are pretty exceptional!”
This exhibition is the culmination of the year-long capstone class taught by the Visual Art faculty. Scot Bennett, Professor of Visual Art and director of the Davison gallery, instituted the course in 2005. The faculty members mentor each senior student, guiding them through the process of creating, installing, and even marketing the exhibition themselves.
Here are two samples of the senior’s artist statements to accompany their work.
Michael Sanders with his sister Joselyn Sanders ‘24 (Studio Art)
“I was told it was childish to read stories about dragons and knights,” said Michael Sanders ‘23 (Studio Art). “But as I have matured I now see beauty in what many call childish. In a small way, each image allows the viewer to realize their own thirst for a world not their own.”
Charlotte Orgill and her artwork, Seascapes
“Seascapes is a mixed media collage series of acrylic paint, tissue paper, tape, and colored paper on watercolor paper,” said Charlotte Orgill ‘23 (Studio Art). “I have chosen to convey the sense of landscapes as my concept was inspired by growing up near marine and park areas.
The Davison Gallery will be open from 11 to 5 pm on the weekdays, and 1 to 4 pm on Saturday. The exhibition runs from April 24th to May 13th.