Arts patrons began showing up early April 25 at Lander University's Monsanto Art Gallery for an arts show reception to bid farewell to 17 seniors who are displaying their last works on campus.
The show features a 43-piece exhibition, entitled "Last Call," which will run through May 15, and serve as a grand send-off for all 17 graduating arts students.
"It's our last arts show of the year and is a signature event for our seniors," said Jon Holloway, director of the Monsanto Gallery. "It represents their four years of being art students and showcases their individual artwork."
Pieces include sculpture, ceramics, drawing, woodcarving, pen and ink, painting on canvas and paper, photography and graphic design.
"All of it really shows how far we've come since we were freshmen," said Adara McClure, who ended her senior year with several graphic designs and a four-part art series on mental illness. "Seeing the works hanging in the gallery really makes me feel accomplished and excited for the next step in life."
Grace Seufer, whose three entries included a ceramics called "Duality" added, "I am excited to exhibit my final pieces to the public so I can show what I've learned at Lander over the four years I've been here."
Making it into the show, however, requires each senior to present a body of work with an artist statement to a jury panel.
Sample pieces include:
Rounding out the exhibits with numerous displays in photography were seniors Jenny Thackham, Jamie Daniels, Seth Oliver, Courtney Basnight, Avery Harrison, Amber Snodgrass and Nick Spitzer.
And Emily Mathis put the final touch and final word on the senior show with her fitting sculpture of steel, yarn and fabric entitled "Full Circle".
Showing an abstraction of a tourist viewfinder and a vintage 1920's car hood and grill, Mathis reflected on a past time that is still present - which, like the senior show and her fellow artists, parallels their soon-to-be-over student days at Lander.
"I am extremely sad that I'm leaving all of these great artists and amazing professors," she said, "but I'm also very excited for the next journey in my life."