Grace College will showcase the thesis portfolios of 19 art majors in a set of exhibitions titled “Perspective” on campus this winter. The first exhibition will take place Feb. 5-24 with a public reception on Friday, Feb. 13, from 7 – 9 p.m. The second exhibition will take place Feb. 25 – March 27 with a public reception on Friday, Feb. 27, from 7 – 9 p.m. Both exhibits and receptions will be held at the Grace College Mount Memorial Art Gallery, 808 Kings Highway, Winona Lake. These events are free and open to the public.
“Throughout their Visual Art and Design program, the students have demonstrated not only exceptional aesthetic skills but the integration of faith in their creative art forms,” said Dr. Kim M. Reiff, chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and dean of the School of Arts and Humanities. “Opportunities for internships and portfolio critiques by industry professionals have contributed to preparing them for future success.”
The exhibits showcase the work of students Aubrey Byers, Grace Lidgett, Lindsey Mount, Cara Cummins, Brooklyn Apted, Taylor Caskey, Ethan Pinkleton, Rylee Burns, Rolando Rodriguez, Leah Starcher, Raigan King, Valerie Bockman, Brandon Rader, Abby Kiehn, Jacob Parker, Ellie Bergstrand, Megan Bockman, John Leeka and Eli Hemmerly.
Hemmerly, of Fairfield, Ohio, is showcasing his thesis portfolio in the first round of the exhibitions. He is a Design Major major with a concentration in illustration and a minor in creative writing.
“One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was being part of a community where creativity is constantly flowing,” said Hemmerly. “Surrounded by classmates with diverse perspectives, stories and passions for art, I learned how creativity becomes an outlet for sharing both beauty and personal story. Through the guidance of my professors and the inspiration of my peers, I’ve grown more than I ever imagined.”
Megan Bockman of Fishers, Ind., exhibiting in the second show, agrees.
“The people here have made a huge impact on my time at Grace,” she said. “Going through most of my design classes with the same people has been a gift, and it’s been so cool to see how far everyone has come. I’m incredibly proud of my classmates, and I’m grateful that we’ve been able to learn, make mistakes and encourage each other to be the best we can be.”
Bockman is a Graphic Design Major and a minor in intercultural studies. Although she was initially intimidated by Adobe and computers in general, through the program she developed her skills and came to genuinely appreciate graphic design.
“We had the opportunity to hear from professionals across different disciplines, and it showed me how much shared experience exists within creative work, even across varied paths,” she said. “Design has the power to tell stories, communicate meaning and shape how people experience information. I’ve learned that design is not just about aesthetics, but about clarity, intention and connection.”
The “Senior Art/Design Portfolio” course is the culmination of an art student’s experience in the program. In addition to the exhibition, students will participate in mock interviews as part of the course. This will allow them to practice sharing their portfolio and representing themselves as artists.
The Mount Memorial Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The department’s goal is to equip graduates with the ability to communicate visually, possess professional skills and be able to analyze works from historical and contemporary cultural perspectives. Students learn to demonstrate excellence in creative work that ultimately serves their calling as artists, Christians and professionals.
Photo attached: Eli Hemmerly showcases his thesis portfolio in the Mount Memorial Art Gallery at Grace College.
