Charles Bryon, Flowers for Mai, 2005, oil, 42" x 24"

Graduating seniors exhibit work at The Art Gallery

An outstanding presentation of two- and three-dimensional works of art, showcasing the artistic achievements of seniors graduating from the University of New Hampshire Department of Art and Art History, will be on view at The Art Gallery Saturday, April 30 – May 21, 2005. The 2005 Senior B.A. and B.F.A. Exhibition presents works -- paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography, drawing, printmaking, and furniture design -- that highlights works by talented, emerging artists.
     
The exhibit will open with a preview reception Friday, April 29, from 5:30 – 8 p.m., during which the artists will be on hand. The reception, which is open to the public, is part of the Festival of Culture and Creativity and co-sponsored by the university’s Undergraduate Research Conference.
     
In addition to works by a number of seniors who will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art, the exhibition will showcase the work of 12 candidates for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree: Charles Bryon, Dover, N.H.; Cait Cedarstrom, Meredith, N.H.; Trisha Coates, Durham, N.H.; Louise Osborne Criss, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Haven Leask, Mason, N.H.; Emily Leonard, Yarmouth, Maine; Kate Maltais,
North Hampton, N.H.; Nicholas Park, Keene, N.H.; Meghan Elizabeth Samson, Barrington, N.H.; S. Whitney Shaw, Aspen, Colo.; Jared Tuveson, Durham, N.H. ; and Mihee Yeom, South Korea.
     
Through both abstract and representational means, these artists explore the subtle interactions between forms, light, and color. For example, sculptor Jared Tuveson creates wax and metal abstract works that are rooted in his observations of the human figure, while woodworker S. Whitney Shaw manipulates traditional materials and modern shapes to create her functional furniture pieces. Kate Maltais explores the subtleties of light in her paintings of sunlit interiors; painter Charles Bryon focuses on still-life compositions with flowers; and the large, abstract paintings of Cait Cedarstrom are marked by the action and energy of dripping paint.  Painter Mihee Yeom’s abstractions are mystical, spiritual explorations of the inner self, while Trisha Coates creates ceramic teapots masterfully disguised as vegetables. Emily Leonard paints large self-portraits in a complex studio setting; Haven Leask explores the passage of time through ceramic sculptures of old clothing and animal skulls; and Meghan Samson creates organic, sculptural forms of raku-fired ceramic and metal.
     
The Art Gallery presents exhibitions and programs open to the public free of charge. Weekly programs offered in conjunction with the current exhibitions include:

ArtBreak Series: Wednesday, noon – 1 p.m.
All program are in the Paul Creative Arts Center (PCAC).
 
May 4:  Gallery Talk: Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates Charles Bryon, Cait Cedarstrom, Trisha Coates, Louise Osborne Criss, Haven Leask, and Emily Leonard discuss their work. The Art Gallery
 
May 11: Gallery Talk: Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates Kate Maltais, Nicholas Park, Meghan Samson, S. Whitney Shaw, Jared Tuveson, and Mihee Yeom discuss their work. The Art Gallery
 
The Art Gallery is open during the academic year: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; closed Fridays and university holidays. Special hours on Commencement Day: Saturday, May 21, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The exhibitions and programs are supported in part by the Friends of The Art Gallery. For more information on the exhibitions and programs, contact The Art Gallery at 603-862-3712, art.gallery@unh.edu, or visit http://www.unh.edu/art-gallery.