Art Department simmers things down with a cool summer show

    Artists on campus had the chance to present their creativity this semester at the school's recent summer showcase.

    "Typically, we do these shows at the end of the fall and spring," said Iris Bechtol, gallery director for the art department. "But we thought it would be a neat way to let the students show off what they've been working on all summer."

    The art department has not put on a summer show for students in six years, so it was a big surprise for all of the artists who took part in the event.

    The art exhibition included a wide variety of mediums. Everything from photography to ceramics made its way into Gallery 219.

    Art professors decided to assign special projects to their students as a way to help develop the pieces they would be submitting for the show.

    Mickey Bruce, instructional specialist for the art department, explained professor James Waltral's process in preparing his students for the show.

    "He worked with each student individually to get what their idea was and really help them develop it the best they could," Bruce said

    Outside of the gallery, a widescreen TV played various works from photographers who took part in the art venue. Most of the photos on the TV screen could be found in the gallery along with the artwork.

    "We wanted to use the screen not only for the show but also as a sort of marketing tool for the new digital arts class Professor Ben Espey will be teaching." Bechtol said.

The show caught the attention of student Nina Uche, who found herself amazed by the display of artwork inside the gallery.

"It's all so interesting," Uche said. "I had no clue that there were so many talented people here on campus. The photography, sculptures and paintings are all so incredible."

With the student show over and the summer semester coming to a close,  more shows are in the works for the following fall and spring. However, the summer show may be back next year.

"I think it's a good thing and I hope that Iris decides to make it an annual event," said Bruce. "It keeps a focus on the students and gives them a place to show off all the hard work and effort they've put in."

Students can only wait to see what the art department will have planned for next summer, but if it's anything like this summer's exhibition, the gallery will have plenty of eye candy for students walking into F219.