Student Art Show
Chase Johnson
If you are into various types of art then the Student Art Show at MCC is the place to go. The event will take place in the Navajo room in the Kirk Student Center. All of the classes under the art program are involved. Teachers choose from their own classes which pieces will be showcased; one piece from the beginning classes and two from intermediate or advanced classes”It’s actually quite an honor to have your art go in,” said digital arts teacher Tom Klare. “It is tough to decide because you will have a class with a lot of good art and then you can only select one maybe two (pieces).”
The gallery will be up from April 12 – 22, and conclude with the awards ceremony. However, the awards have been decided and one can see the pieces on display.
“Most all of the awards are cash, President’s apprentice awards, which are pieces that are bought by the school, and local art supply places donate gift certificates as well,” Klare said.
The gallery has hosted many different kinds of artwork including charcoal, watercolor, computer graphic, acrylic paint, photo and many other mediums.
Returning for this art show is last year’s “Best in Show” winner Roland Bates, with a piece entitled “Dogmatic Silence.”
“It’s kind of controversial, it is my take on religious fanaticism and it takes people in the wrong direction sometimes,” said Bates. “It makes it so they suffocate themselves and trap themselves in this little box.”
Bates gives credit to one of his art influences.
“My inspiration was from Francis Bacon’s Pope painting where he’s sitting there screaming. He is one of my biggest influences,” Bates said.
When asked about his future plans in the art world Bates explained he just received a $60,000 scholarship to an art school in Connecticut to continue his craft.
Nikie Crawford is another artist showcased in the show with an illustration entitled “Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater.” She also submitted an animation entitled “Sidewalk Stroll” which received the Juror’s Award.
Also showcased is Utrecht Art Award winner Caitlin Gerwig for her creation “Smiling Mad” done in acrylic paint, in addition to her ink and marker piece “Lost in a Line.” This gained her recognition as an “emerging talent.”
The awards reception will be April 21 from 6-8 p.m. For more information visit the Kirk Student Center.
