Years in the studio have earned four Concordia students a chance to make a creative statement through their senior art thesis exhibit. Rebecca Aldrich, Megan Birnstein and Kaylie Mellema displayed their work Nov. 28 through Dec. 12 in the Marxhausen Gallery of Art. Jacob Moore displayed his work off campus.
According to Professor of Art James Bockelman, the senior exhibition is meant to show the achievements of artists in upper level undergraduate studio art courses. The exhibit also challenges the students to take initiative and responsibility for creating and organizing such an event.
Aldrich, who is from David City, Neb., was thrilled to have the chance to showcase her set of twelve acrylic paintings. “It’s not everyday people get to meet me through my art and philosophy,” she said. Aldrich’s work features images surrounded by other smaller images.
Birnstein, Seward, presented large digital paintings. These pieces reflect her research in the similarities of the religious cults, practices and theologies of peoples from ancient Mesopotamia and the region of the Fertile Crescent.
A collection of photographs Mellema took during a summer trip to East Africa provided the foundation for the Axtell, Neb., senior's exhibit. Also included were digital text excerpts from her journal during the trip. “I think it’s important for any artist to get work out there, and it’s kind of a way for me to share my experiences with people I wouldn’t normally share them with,” Mellema said.
Moore mounted an installation in his apartment of drawings and paintings, ceramic bowls and wire sculpture.
The Marxhausen Gallery is the on-campus exhibition space for Concordia and hosts a variety of exhibitions each year. It is located in Jesse Hall and is open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m.
