A culmination of four years of hard work was on display for eleven students Nov. 11 at the Crossman Gallery. Seniors who plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science Education degree had the opportunity to showcase their personally curated “art portfolio.” The exhibition, normally holding around 70 distinct pieces from varying artists, was full with just eleven students being featured. These collections were spaced out based on the artist and averaged around 5-10 pieces.
For senior Mason Burnikel, all of his pieces were cohesive in both mediums and design, showing he found his artistic niche. The work gave the immersive effect of being transported to a fantasy world filled with dragons and smoke. Burnikel is majoring in graphic design with minors in media arts and game development.
developing artist. Tuesday, Oct.11 (Calise Howard)
“I think it’s good for art to have meaning sometimes,” Burnikel said. “For me, however, the only super meaningful piece is the Statue of Liberty one, just thinking and reflecting on the election turnout. Most of the time, though, I just try to make stuff for people to enjoy. The remark I want from people is just ‘oh that’s really awesome and cool.’”
Some displays, like graphic design major Abbey Richards, had varying works on display. This range helped showcase the varying skills and techniques the artist learned throughout their education at UW-W.
“I love all my pieces for different reasons, obviously, but my favorite would have to be the colored pencil drawing of me and my sister,” Richards said. “It’s just a core memory and it means a lot to me for it to be hung up in this gallery.”
While this capstone event marked the final chapter in their individual journeys at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, students now look toward options in pursuing their artistic talents following graduation.
Caidyn Wermening’s ambitions directly reflect her art education major.
“My self portrait is my favorite. Probably because it took me almost a month to finish and it’s the biggest piece I’ve done,” Wermening said. “I would love to help kids create pieces that they are proud of like that. The goal is to get a job at an elementary school.”
Comparatively, Britney Henschel also hopes to work directly within her major. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and a minor in marketing. She hopes to combine both her art and marketing knowledge to open her own business. Her favorite piece in her collection was a series of painted clay vases.
“After graduation, my goal is to open a little sip and paint place. Host classes, teach people how to do art and even sell my own pieces there,” Henschel said.
The Senior Show is open till Nov. 20. In case you miss that, following shortly after is the BFA Senior Exhibition running from Dec. 1-11. With a unique opportunity to connect with the artists at their reception on Dec. 2. More information can be found on the Crossman Gallery Website.
