Five seniors have been hard at work from the moment they arrived back in Abilene. But their work really began the moment they set foot on campus four years ago.
Sara Morris, Will Reid, Annika Ringle, Katherine Seibert and Bonni Wattigney will be showcasing the art they have created over the course of their time at ACU in their senior art show, entitled POP! on Friday from 7-9 p.m. The show will take place in the Shore Art Gallery, and ACU art professors will introduce each senior.
In addition to viewing the pieces displayed, the first 100 guests will each receive a unique piece of artwork made by one of the five seniors.
The event’s dynamic title resulted from an art history lesson on artist Man Ray, which the seniors studied last semester.
“He gave viewers an interactive role,” said Ringle, art major from Springdale, Ark. “They would go around the room and pop balloons to reveal his artwork inside. We were inspired by that.”
Each artist will be displaying anywhere from 6 to 10 pieces.
“I’ve had to go over a lot of old work and get it matted and framed,” said Bonni Wattigney, senior graphic design major from Keller.
In order to prepare for the show, the seniors also have been working hard to get the gallery ready.
“It was more involved than I thought it would be,” said Morris, English and art major from Abilene. “We have to create the entire environment. It has to be a cohesive show for five people.”
Creating the environment has included painting the gallery, arranging the pieces, advertising the show, and even preparing food for the big night.
“I’m getting really excited about it,” said Seibert, art major from Grapevine. “It’s been a lot of hard work.”
Despite all of the work entailed, Reid, art major from Abilene, said that getting ready for show was a lot more fun than he expected.
“We’ve got a really good group,” he said. “We are all flexible and willing to work with each other’s ideas.”
He expects the show to be a success but does not view it as his career finale.
“I’m looking beyond it,” Reid said.
All of the artwork will be available for viewing until February 4.
