As the spring semester comes to a close, many students will be busy studying for exams and working on final projects.

However, not all students can say that their final projects are out on display throughout campus for everyone to view.

Six graduating art students have their artwork on display as part of the OLLU Seniors Exhibit.

Rosalinda Castano, Lacy Griffith, Frances Mendoza, and Susana Zambrano have their art in the Library Community Room while sisters Edith and Judith Parra have work in the Elliot House.

The different art pieces consist of works such as drawings, paintings, stencil work, ceramics and sculpture.

There are also digital media pieces and other works that combine “new technology with old-school methods,” Art Department Chair April Atkinson said.

The students are influenced in various ways to create the art.
Edith Parra, who has several pieces on display, said her influences can vary from Mexican American culture to landscapes to Asian art.

“I also find inspiration from family members, precious moments, movies, events like news,” Parra said.

“I don’t like doing art that doesn’t have any meaning.”

Atkinson said the exhibit challenges the students to behave professionally.

“It forces the idea of there being an audience,” Atkinson said. “Because art is made in such a solitary state, the exhibit prepares them to go out into the world and exhibit that art.”

The exhibit is part of the capstone class that art seniors take.

“It’s sort of like what it all builds up to,” Atkinson said.

Students are required to edit their works, make a professional resume, and create a statement of artwork.

“The statement of artwork is like a manifesto,” Atkinson said. “It basically says where they are coming from.”

Despite a focus on senior work, there is also art by lower classmen on display on the first and second floors of the Fine Arts building.

The exhibit is an important event for all of the people involved.

“I hope a lot of people will find it educational,” Parra said.

“It’s why we make work, so that it’s viewed,” Atkinson said. “It’s the end game.

People can ask questions to the artists, and that can’t happen without an exhibit.”

The OLLU Seniors Exhibit runs through May 4. A closing reception will be held on the last day in the
Library Community Room from 6 to 9 p.m.