By Scarlett Birge, student news writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University’s Art Department will be hosting a virtual viewing of the graduating seniors’ art exhibits in The Gheens Recital Hall, 210 University Drive, Campbellsville, at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 26.
Due to COVID-19 regulations, a reception is not possible and has been replaced by the screening. The viewing of the documented exhibition will include a video and slideshow. It will be held with limited seating for the campus community at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 26 in The Gheens Recital Hall of the Gosser Fine Arts building. A live-stream of the event will be available at https://www.campbellsville.edu/academics/schools-and-colleges/school-of-music/gheens-recital-hall/.
CU’s Office of Student Activities has partnered with the event to provide grab-and-go bags for students after attending the screening.
The graduating art seniors’ work featured in this exhibit are as follows: Serena Corbin of Columbia, Ky.; Hailey Robinson of Vine Grove, Ky.; Kara Kelly of Louisville, Ky.; Mary Beth McAllister of Columbia, Ky.; and Marianna Melgoza of Springfield, Ky.
Corbin, set to graduate this May with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, focuses her artwork on religious concepts, digital designs, symbolism and portraiture. She works with mediums of graphite, charcoal, mixed media, digital media and assemblage. She plans to perfect her personal work and take commissions after she graduates.
“My personal philosophy to creating artwork is that if the work I am making doesn’t line up with my beliefs and morals, or doesn’t possess a deeper meaning or symbolic essence to it, I shouldn’t be creating it,” Corbin said.
Robinson studies art and psychology at CU and uses her interest in those subjects to create work that engages and promotes the expression of mental health. Her personal art style utilizes abstract notions of design to express her personal idea of emotions. After graduating, she plans to attend graduate school for Museum Studies.
“I strive to use my art to reach out and provide a platform for others who feel like their emotions and thoughts have been suppressed,” Robinson said. “I want to provide a place of acknowledgement and understanding.”
Kelly, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Animation, specializes in a range of subjects such as pet portraits, character design, concept art and animation. She has studied anatomy and figure drawing abroad in Florence, Italy at the Florence Classical Arts Academy.
“My favorite part of the development process for a story is taking an idea that starts off small and simple and turning it into a full-fledged story with lovable characters and an interesting plotline,” Kelly said.
McAllister, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Animation, mostly focuses her works on animals and nature. She commonly uses watercolor and photography, among a variety of other media.
“Nature is able to portray the beauty and attraction that life has to give. By painting nature scenes, it gives the artwork a sense of wonder and admiration,” McAllister said.
Melgoza, graduating with a major in 3D design with an emphasis in ceramics, uses a variety of media but specializes in pottery. She plans on expanding her artistic career through connecting with artists and creating unique, intriguing works inspired by her life and those around her.
“I plan to take my influences and bring my talents and views to hopefully inspire others as my art career continues,” Melgoza said.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 13,500 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.