WASHINGTON, PA (April 11, 2016) - Olin Fine Art Gallery at Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) will wrap up its 2015-16 season with a pair of exhibits that feature the work of W&J College seniors.
The senior class art majors will present their projects to the public in two separate Senior Art Shows. The first runs April 15-24 with an opening artists’ talk and reception from 6-7:30 on April 15. The exhibit will feature Beka Bellhy, Madison Gedman, Olivia Oddo, and Jessi Price. The second runs April 29-May 8, with an opening artists’ talk and reception from 6-7:30 on April 29. The exhibit will feature Stephanie Chadwick, Natalie Paul, and Julia Price.
Olin Gallery director Douglas McGlumphy said the shows are assets to the Gallery’s annual exhibit series, and he stressed how important the senior shows are for the art majors.
“It’s the first time they’re actually putting together a whole body of work and installing it in the art gallery in a professional way,” he said. “It incorporates many elements that change when they go from a studio to the gallery, so it gives them their first professional experience that they can use out in the world.”
Senior art major Jessi Price, from Scenery Hill, Pa., is showing four 28x30 inch realism portraits on April 15. Her show focuses on comics and cosplay, emphasizing the connections one forms with characters from various media outlets. Her representation will feature herself and her friends as the characters with whom they have formed a bond.
The experience of putting together a gallery exhibit has encouraged Price to persue art more than she had originally planned. “It sort of lit a fire in me to persue art more. It’s a side job for now. This experience will be nothing but beneficial for working with galleries and commission work after graduation.”
McGlumphy, who has worked with these students for four years, said he looks forward to seeing them present their work in the gallery.
“It’s because it’s brand new to them. It’s exciting and they’re worried about it, and nervous, but that’s the fun part of interacting with the students when they get this opportunity. This will give them the experience they need when they, hopefully one day, have the opportunity to present their art in other galleries.”
**All Olin Fine Art Gallery events and exhibitions are free and open to the public. The Gallery is open seven days a week from noon to 7 p.m. during exhibitions, and is closed during college breaks. The Gallery is in Olin Fine Arts Center at 285 East Wheeling Street, Washington, Pa. 15301.
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.
Are you ready to Be A President? Apply to W&J now.