University Star

As graduation approaches, art students are finalizing their coursework with a school-sanctioned party and exhibition of their best work — but few are hearing about it.

Seniors in The School of Art and Design participate in rotating weekly shows of their creations each semester at the on-campus gallery located in the Joann Cole Mitte building. These exhibitions are free, available to the public and open with a fanfare of socialization and food. Most non-art majors outside the building are unaware these shows exist, and as a result miss out on a memorable and entertaining experience.

The university should make a special effort to promote events such as these, as students are missing out on a chance to see artwork created by their peers. This is also a chance to support Texas State in a way that does not involve fundraising or sports for those less inclined toward either. Instead, viewers of a gallery opening get the chance to see interesting art, talk with professors and other students and partake in free food and drinks.

The large amount of graduating seniors in any given semester means each class is split up into multiple, smaller groups that organize their respective exhibitions over the course of a semester. Each group gets to choose the theme and name of its exhibition. Students work with the gallery coordinator to decide how the exhibition space will be organized, and plan everything from the opening of their show down to the details of what food will be served.

Artwork exhibited at prior thesis shows has included everything from oil paintings of near-photorealistic zombies to delicate, hand-forged hair combs. More traditional studio art majors, such as sculpture and painting, show their exhibitions along with those with emphases in metals or fibers. Some shows include live performance art or video recordings of previously performed work. In short, there is something for everyone.

Senior thesis exhibitions open during the last few Mondays of each semester, including summer sessions. Soon-to-be graduates rotate their work through the gallery in weeklong intervals. The remaining two will open April 30 and May 7 at 5 p.m. on the second floor of the Joann Cole Mitte building. If viewers miss out on this semester’s exhibitions, there will be additional graduating seniors showing their work over the summer and into the fall.

Students should support fellow Bobcats as they showcase their artwork for the community. Take advantage of such an amazing opportunity to witness artistic beauty at Texas State.