West Liberty University’s Senior Exhibition for Fall 2014 features eight talented student artists: Sydney Bennett, Lindsey Fair, Lucas Fauble, Abbie Merryman, Miranda Pellicano, Natalie Rees, Emma Romanowski and Shannon Yates.
The art they created is varied and interesting, offering everything from a comic strip like artwork to interactive graphic design images with audio, video and sculpture. “This is one of the best senior shows we’ve had in a while. The students worked hard and I congratulate them on the result,” said Assistant Professor of Art Robert Villamagna, who is the director of the Nutting Gallery. All students created a formal artist statement to go with their artwork.
“The world is a very chaotic place. We are constantly in motion, at times eager to catch our breath. Sometimes it is easy to overlook the beauty of the world and to take for granted the wonder of life. I believe my job, as an artist, is to capture a moment, a memory, even a thought so that it can stand still and be appreciated without limits,” said Natalie Rees. Rees believes all art is a gift and allows her to create memories that will not fade. She is donating all money made from the sale of her art in the exhibition to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).
Artist Lindsey Fair created work that explores the theme of body image on social and personal levels. “It is truly unfortunate that our society’s standards of beauty is heavily directed and pressured by impossible beauty ideals… My artwork takes a critical view of the social views by which women’s body image is influenced,” Fair said. Using a variety of materials and processes in each piece of art, she creates a consistent message.
Student artist Miranda Pellicano created images that reveal personal values or ideals, created in mixed media pieces. “The collage of concepts, techniques and materials acts as an effective medium to showcase the growth I’ve experienced not only with this show, but also as a designer and artist,” Pellicano said.
Another student created a compelling and funny video about his student experience on the Hilltop. “Mine was a video self-portrait that looked at my time on campus. I tried to bring in student experiences and show my journey. Hopefully it’s entertaining and enjoyable,” said Fauble, who stars in the video that is just over nine minutes long. The only male artist in the show, Fauble graduates on Dec. 13 with a degree in graphic design. 
The exhibition remains on display through Friday, Dec. 12. The Nutting Gallery is located in the Media Arts Center building and is dedicated to educating, enriching and engaging students and the public through art exhibitions of the highest quality and to promoting the visual arts within the WLU community. The Gallery fulfills this mission through eight exhibitions during the academic year. The annual exhibition schedule includes five exhibitions by visiting artists, two Senior Exhibitions, and the Annual Art Faculty Exhibition.
The exhibitions are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact rvillama@westliberty.edu or call 304-336-8370.
DECEMBER 8, 2014 BY MAUREEN ZAMBITO