Graduate students exhibit different perspectives
One artist uses black felt-tip pens and watercolor to create portrayals of contemporary women. Another merges her thoughts into intricate collages, while one shares her quiet darkness through serigraphy. The others favor paint for their self-expression.
What connects these artists, ranging from Millennials to Baby Boomers, is that they are part of a graduate class at Radford University in studio management, and as a collective they are exhibiting their work at two local galleries. Their first exhibition is at the Floyd Center for the Arts, in Floyd, Virginia. A show at Miller Off Main Street Galleries will follow in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Z.L. Feng, a professor of art at Radford University, leads this diverse group of students, some who are full-time degree seekers and others who are attending part time. The studio management class provides guidance for those seeking professional opportunities outside the university. As part of this experience, the class tasks students with exhibiting their artworks in gallery environments.
“This group offers a variety of artistic visions,” Feng said, “and it is important for our graduate students to be able represent themselves in a manner that highlights their artistic merits. These exhibitions give them an outlet to put their course work into practice.”
The artists include Heather Hagerman Horn and Reilly N. Gordon who work with watercolor; L.S. King, a photo-based printmaker; Melissa Schappell, a multimedia artist; and Pam Watkins, who is a painter.
As one of the few Master of Fine Art programs in Studio Art in the region, students can take a traditional approach to their studies and refine their skills in subjects such as drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, pastel, and watercolor. Or opportunities also exist for those who want to follow their own paths like Schappell, who is exploring mixed media and collage, or as with King, photo-based printmaking processes.
“These shows from Professor Feng’s graduate class showcase the very individualistic approaches and styles of each of our MFA artists, and demonstrates the personal motivation and self-actualization that is the hallmark of our graduate program,” said Ken Smith, a graduate coordinator for the department and graphic design professor.
“Studio Perspectives” at the Floyd Center for the Arts Falcon Gallery runs April 13-May 25. There is an opening reception at 5 p.m., April 13. Visit the center’s website at floydartcenter.org for more information. Feng will also have one of his paintings on display with the class at this location.
“Studio 702” at Miller Off Main Street Galleries is on display between May 2 through May 28. There will be an opening reception at 5 p.m., May 2. Visit milleroffmain.com for more information.
For those interested in learning more about the Radford University Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art, contact the graduate coordinator at bwebb18@radford.edu.