Students pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Weber State University’s Department of Visual Art and Design gathered on Friday Dec. 3 to showcase their respective capstones in a thesis work. This exhibition takes place twice a year for both fall and spring graduates of WSU.
The Shaw Gallery was buzzing with friends, family and fellow students who came out to show their support.
“A lot of the people in the show are friends or have been in my classes. It’s cool to see the success of others and the end result,” said Kim Hernandez, a WSU graphic design student.
Fridays event featured 18 artist from the program and will run through Dec.18.
Kyla Hamblin, a WSU student said, “My favorite piece of art was the faces because when you get closer, you can see little details, and one of them is a hot dog running. It’s interesting to see what people come up with and what they can accomplish.”
Holly Morphet, a BFA participant, presented five portraits. The 6-foot portraits were done on a thirty-foot roll of watercolor with rubber stamps. Each of the stamps symbolizes whatever it was that helped that person heal and overcome self-harm.
“Art is a wonderful and efficient way to communicate and to inspire people and to create progress in the world. Art gives you permission to talk about all kinds of things,” said Morphet.
Olivia Haglund was a model for Morphet’s series. Her stamp was Peter Pan and is representational of her inner child. “Peter Pan is very much about adventure and high spirits and standing up for yourself and having fun. I don’t’ ever want to let go of that,” said Haglund.
Gage Woodward, a WSU student who came out to support his sister, Tess Woodward, a graphic designer, said, “It’s good to get people out and see how creative people can be. It adds excitement to your life.”
When asked why others should come out to see the show, Haglund said, “Art is a great way to get a different flavor for people. With any art piece, there is a little bit of that person who creates it behind it. It’s about what compels people to do what they do—art moves people.”
“There is a lot a diversity in the show. If you like art, you are going to find something that you like. It’s different than most gallery shows because of the inclusion of design and the different disciplines involved in it,”said Eric Malone, a BFA participant.
The Shaw Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.
