A drive through the Mississippi University for Women campus these past several days has had heads turning. Three vibrant three-dimensional works were displayed on the grounds in front of the Art and Design Building. If this week’s weather conditions cooperate, they should be back out, showing visitors to The W what art students have been up to during this semester’s Art Week.
During Art Week, students were grouped to focus on collaborative projects, rather their more regular studio work, explained Associate Professor of Art Alex Stelioes-Wills. In the fall, teams create large two-dimensional artworks. For the spring semester, they develop three-dimensional projects. Groups chose from a selection of themes related to contemporary art.
“Themes are kind of complex because they’re not like single-word themes,” said Stelioes-Wills. “We want the students to really be thinking about contemporary art and how it relates to past art.”
As a team leader, Kendra DeForrest had a hand in most aspects of her group’s work.
“The over-arching theme for all three projects was 20th century artists and the artists they were influenced by,” said the Pascagoula native. Working within a group led to new bonds that may later influence each individual’s own work, she observed.
“We tried to feed off each other’s creativity, tried to keep each other going, letting people know we’re there to share ideas or help execute something.”
For senior Jasmine Matthews of Aberdeen, discovering everyone’s styles and strengths was enlightening.
“Even though styles are different, we each contributed and worked very well together,” the art education major said.
Faculty members served as group advisors.
“The role of advisors is to advise; they’re not there to teach the students how to do the project — we want the students to do the decision-making,” said Stelioes-Wills.
Juried student show
Even if weather keeps the 3-D outdoor display grounded for a few days, there is plenty to see inside the Art and Design Building. The Eugenia Summer Gallery hosts MUW’s Juried Student Exhibition through March 6.
The show features 95 works of art by 28 students. The exhibition was juried by Ashley Chavis, art faculty from Northwest Community College.
The public is invited to view the show Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
For more information, contact the Department of Art and Design, 662-329-7341.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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