by Sara Patterson, News Editor
September 15, 2020
Ouachita’s Art Club is hosting the Juried Student Art Show on the first floor of Moses Provine from Sept. 1 through Oct. 4. Local artist Justin Tyler Bryant served as this year’s judge, and the show features pieces that students submitted last semester.
Sophomore graphic design major Madeline McKay submitted two pieces to the show. In an effort to step outside of her comfort zone, McKay decided to submit pieces that she made for one of her classes.
One of Madeline McKay’s pieces depicts different shades of blue and green. McKay also submitted another piece, displayed above the first one, that depicts reds and oranges in a similar fashion. (photo by Kirsten Shaw)
“They were a series I made for my Design II class last semester. Our professor wanted us to explore color theory and preferences through whatever medium we wanted,” McKay said. “I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do paintings because I normally do graphics and drawings. I knew I wanted to do an abstract, non-subjective piece so I looked at a lot of reference photos and sketched some shapes until I found ones that I liked.”
Junior graphic design major Emily White also submitted a piece to the show. She chose to submit an artwork with a subject that is close to her heart: Nature.
“Nature is always a big inspiration for me,” White said, “and I always love the way that nature itself is art.”
When brainstorming, planning and creating her piece, White had to strike a balance between vibrancy and relatability, as well as considering the piece’s meaning and presentation. In the end, she created a piece depicting a mountain range with the words of a poem incorporated throughout each element of the piece.
“It was hard for me to figure out how to put the words on the page without making them stand out,” White said. “I wanted the mood to be relaxing and calm but also have some deeper meanings. I really enjoyed the graphic elements of it. It was fun to make all the different components.”
White enjoys engaging with and learning from peers who share her passion for art through the OBU Art Club and the events it puts on, like the Juried Art Show.
“Art Club is growing and it’s really exciting to be part of it,” White said. “I like how it’s new and we’re trying to create an art environment beyond just the art students. The people are really fun and the art that they create is inspiring.”
The Juried Art Show exhibit is located on the first floor of Moses Provine until Oct. 4. Arts Engagement credit is available for students who view the exhibit, and students can also see the winning pieces from this year’s show in the gallery.
