Strong women connect their ‘Strong Voices’

Everyone who has worked or is working on their senior projects knows how much work has to go into the final presentations and papers. Some art majors, however, are learning early by creating an art show their junior year, so they get a grasp on what it takes for the senior art show.

Krista Frost (‘09), Alysia Lawson (‘09), Gabby McNally (‘09), Laura Peterson (‘09), Sarah Nance (‘09) and Katie Starr (‘09) created pieces for their exhibit “Strong Women with Strong Voices.” Their work communicates different views of self-portraiture and women in society.

“We each have different stories to tell about ourselves and our world, and we each have strong, varying artistic ways to express those stories,” said McNally.

The women portrayed pieces of themselves and their lives through sculpture, paintings, carvings and written statements about their work.

“There is a wide range of work and expression going on in that gallery,” said Lawson.“One has to remember that we are all very different women with different experiences behind us that influence our individual creativity.”

Peterson agreed.

“No one expressed themselves in the same manner,” she said. “We’re very different artists, with very different ideas and work, but look at how our work connects.”

The exhibit’s theme was a concept the group worked together to come up with. It expresses the unity the artists found by embracing their individuality.

“It took all of our minds to brainstorm something that worked for each one of us,” said Peterson. “It was a unique and fun challenge.”

“This show was about telling a story regarding who [the artists] are as individuals, but it was also about having viewers ask, ‘who am I?’” said Peterson. “It’s reflective in nature.”

Lawson also commented on how the artists’ styles came together

“We all have very very different styles and areas of specific interest and it formed a really interesting show,” said Lawson. “I think anyone can find something to take away from it.”

The exhibit is the first of its kind for Luther’s art department. Art gallery coordinator, David Kamm, proposed the project to junior art majors as an opportunity to find out what goes into putting on a show of that caliber.

“The logistical purpose of this exhibit was to give juniors experience with installing a show, so that our senior show can be less stressful,” said McNally. “It was kind of a stepping stone.”

The women found that the show was more work than they expected. With their pieces finished and successfully on display, however, they expressed positive feelings about the experience.

“It really helped educate me on the reality of how much work goes into setting up a show,” said Peterson.

The students were grateful for this preparation before their senior shows.

“I’m glad I was part of the process. I’m glad we helped to get that ball rolling, and I’m sure there are many great junior art shows to come.”

“I think it is a great idea to continue this for future years because it was a great experience and now I know what to expect as I get ready for my senior show,” said Lawson. “I never realized how long it took to put everything together.”

Frost echoed Lawson’s sentiments.

“After this experience, I feel more prepared for my senior show, and much more aware of the amount of time it takes to prepare an exhibition to fill that amount of space,” said Frost. “In a few words, I need to start painting now.”

The women’s exhibit is on display in the Dahl Centennial Union Art Gallery from Feb. 4 through Feb. 16.