By Kasey Ricketts, communications assistant
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Campbellsville University held her 4th annual “A Day in the Visual Arts” March 26 with 110 students from five different schools learning more about the university, with an emphasis in what the art program offers.
There was also a Juried Art Show consisting of seven participating schools.
The Patrons of the Visual Arts, a board that supports students who have interests in visual arts and who help them find a place for their creative spirit to thrive, helped sponsor the event.
The students listened to a presentation from the Office of Enrollment Services covering information such as what courses CU offers, financial aid, athletics and residence life.
“We do not want you leaving here today with any unanswered questions. We are here to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask anything,” Trevor Cook, enrollment counselor, said.
“It is really exciting to see what Campbellsville can offer for me and my classmates. I came to this event last year as a junior, and now I’m back as a senior and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. It has helped me feel more prepared for college,” Daeshionna Kimbrough, John Hardin senior, said.
The faculty from the Department of Art & Design introduced themselves to the students and shared who they are and what role they play in the department and courses they teach. Dr. Jason Garrett, professor of communication who teaches film in the Department of Mass Communication, also shared his role within the university.
Academic coach Kimberly Hope was introduced to the students.
The students were given time to talk to the faculty, enrollment team and academic coach one-on-one and ask questions.
“Today has had such a comfortable setting where I can learn more about the art department, ask questions and be able to talk about art with other people. It has really been awesome,” Missy Green, Adair County High School senior, said.
“I love bringing my students to this because it gives them a chance to network with other artists and students. They can see what their peers are doing and creating, then use it to help develop their skills and ideas,” Jo Ann Harris, art teacher for Campbellsville Middle and High School, said.
After the meet and greet, the award presentation for the Annual Juried Show took place. Leading up to the event, students could enter their own pieces of work into seven different categories including; painting, drawing, photography, graphic design, mixed media, ceramics and sculpture.
Up to third place was awarded with cash prizes and a set of colored pencils.
The first place winners of each category were: painting, Rachel Edwards, Taylor County High School; drawing, Josh Martin, Taylor County High School; photography, Adrian Mayfield, Taylor County High School; graphic design, Lauren McGough, Adair County High School; mixed media, Seth Flowers, Adair County High School; ceramics, Cassie Duvall, Metcalfe County High School; and sculpture, Kimberly Walker, Metcalfe County High School.
The second place winners of each category were: painting, Daeshionna Kimbrough, John Hardin High School; drawing, Jessah Hughes, Marion County High School; photography, David Boston, John Hardin High School; graphic design, Taylor Wood, Marion County High School; mixed media, Camellia Pearson, Adair County High School; ceramics, Katie Steele, Metcalfe County High School; and sculpture, Josh Martin, Taylor County High School.
The third place winners of each category were: painting, Abbrielle Tarrence, Washington County High School; drawing, Camellia Pearson, Adair County High School and Tosha Coe, Metcalfe County High School; photography, Carisma Greer, Taylor County High School; graphic design, Josh Martin, Taylor County High School; mixed media, Mackenzie McCamish, John Hardin High School; ceramics, Korissa Pearish, Taylor County High School; and sculpture, Alex Carmer, Taylor County High School.
Selected from all first places for Best of Show was Seth Flowers, Adair County, for his mixed media piece.
“Applied surfaces makes it interesting. Used material itself to add its own texture and then added 2D with the drawn shapes. It is amazing!,” Jurors notes stated about the Best of Show.
The students toured campus with a focus on the art facilities.
During the tour, students went through the Turner Log Cabin where all the works submitted to the Annual Juried Show were displayed.
“There are so many impressive works here, so the fact that I won Best of Show is pretty neat,” Flowers said.
Before leaving, the students gathered back in The Gheens Recital Hall for a film screening of Garrett’s film titled “Girl(s).” Garrett explained the process of producing the film and answered questions from the students.
“The mission of the art department and the Patrons of the Arts is to have Campbellsville University serve as a regional hub for visual arts,” Azucena Trejo Williams, assistant professor of art and design, said.
“So, building these relationships with the students is important to show them they have a community that is rallying for them and their futures. We get the chance to provide a place and time to put artists together and have other liked minded students be in the same room where they can discuss their passions and network.”