Visual and media arts students to exhibit culminating projects during multiple showcases

Senior-level students from the Department of Visual and Media Arts will gain first-hand experience developing and displaying their work before graduation through multiple exhibitions in November and December.

Beverly Seley, professor of jewelry and metalsmithing, said that senior exhibitions are the culmination of learning by students in their respective fields.

“The work is expected to demonstrate formal and technical skill in the discipline combined with a strong conceptual understanding of what the work is about and why,” said Seley. “The students must defend the choices in their work orally and in writing. This public display serves as both recognition and critical feedback for the artists.”

Emma Hoekstra, a studio art major focusing on jewelry and metalsmithing, said she has discovered how involved and challenging developing a group exhibition can be.

“Not only do we have to make the work, but we also have to plan how to showcase our work, create a statement about our work, and organize an event in order to share our accomplishments,” said Hoekstra. “I think it is important to have an opportunity like this in college to better prepare us for what comes next. We are challenged to take the skills that we learned in college and put them to the test.”

Below is a full list of upcoming exhibitions:

"BFA Senior Exhibition by Printmaking Emphasis Alyssa Roach and Jewelry and Metalsmithing Emphasis Kendra Kok"
November 27-30
Reception: November 30, from 5-7 p.m.
Stuart and Barbara Padnos Art Gallery, Calder Arts Center, Allendale Campus

“BFA Senior Exhibition by Visual Studies Emphasis Kay Mayer”
November 27-December 7
Reception: December 1, from 5-9 p.m.
Cerasus Studio (120 S. Division, Suite 126, Grand Rapids)

“Five Chapters: Photography Senior Thesis Exhibition”
November 28-December 9
Reception: November 30, from 5-7 p.m.
GVSU Art Gallery, Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus

“BFA Senior Exhibition by Visual Studies Emphasis Mackenzie Cargill”
December 1-9
Reception: December 1, from 5-9 p.m.
Avenue for the Arts (307 S. Division, Grand Rapids)

“BFA Senior Exhibition by Betsy Vollmar (Ceramics), Kristina Petrach (Printmaking), and Emma Hoekstra (Jewelry/Metals)”
December 2-9
Reception: December 7, from 5-7 p.m.
Mary Idema Pew Library Exhibition Space (atrium level), Allendale Campus

“BFA Senior Graphic Design Show by Ashley Beeker, Catherine Cieslinski, Matthew Ellis, Kendall Hart, Courteney Schulke, Nathan Spangenberg, and Courtney Tannir”
December 4-7
Reception: December 7, from 5-7 p.m.
Stuart and Barbara Padnos Art Gallery, Calder Art Center, Allendale Campus

“Capstone Film Student Presentations”
December 6, from 3-5 p.m.
Lake Huron Hall, room 132, Allendale Campus

“Film/Video Fall Showcase”
Dec 14, from 7-10 p.m.
Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center, Pew Grand Rapids Campus

For more information about the above exhibitions, contact the Department of Visual and Media Arts at (616) 331-3486 or [email protected].