Each year, The University of Olivet’s art exhibition schedule culminates with a special display of works by graduating seniors who have focused their studies in the arts. This year’s exhibition features Daniel Neugent, a visual arts dual discipline major with a concentration in business; Colton Parish-Miller, a double major in graphic design and studio arts; and Kaila Redfield, a studio arts major with a passion for ceramics. The 2018 exhibit will be on display through May 19 in the Kresge Foundation Art Gallery in the Riethmiller Blackman Art Building.
“It has been a pleasure to teach each of these students,” said Thia Eller, assistant professor of art. “Kaila found her home in the ceramics studio. She took to throwing the wheel very quickly and became so passionate that she bought her own wheel. Kaila plans to pursue ceramic art as a career after graduating.”
Colton strived to expand his artistic abilities both digitally and traditionally, discovering special interest in painting, printmaking and sculpture. “Colton has been a quiet, but active, presence in the art building. He is usually good at whatever he puts his hand to,” Professor Eller explained. “Colton’s taste in visual art and music are from a former time, and he often uses images taken from classic films of the 1940s as subject matter for his work.”
Daniel Neugent’s studies are inspired by his passion for graphic design and marketing, and belief that visual imagery is the best way to communicate. “My exhibit demonstrates the beauty a simple story can show. My art has the purpose to tell a story that everyone can understand and create their own,” Daniel explained. “The story teller is not myself, but the viewer.”
Professor Eller added that Daniel’s unique combination of interests has allowed him to build his portfolio in a multitude of ways, including creating posters to promote the Comet basketball team.
During each student’s junior year, they begin developing a thematic project by gathering previously created pieces of artwork. Students then plan for the upcoming pieces they need to produce to complete the project and display over the remainder of their time in the classroom. Works by the graduates include a variety of sculptures, prints, paintings, drawings, ceramics and even digital art, many of which are available for purchase. In addition, the students work together to frame and matte their work, organize the display and physically hang the pieces.
View the exhibit through May 19, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or by appointment. In addition, the artists’ reception, including refreshments and the opportunity to meet the artists and art faculty members, will be held Friday, April 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Learn more about opportunities for artists at The University of Olivet by attending an upcoming admissions event or scheduling a campus visit. Contact Gary Wertheimer, professor of art, at gbwertheimer@uolivet.edu or 269.749.7627 for more details about the 2018 Senior Exhibition.