PHOTO: "Vidas Infinitas" two colorful Day of the Red themed pieces of artwork framed with a black border. Photo by The Signal reporter Matt Noble. — "Vidas Infinitas" two colorful Day of the Red themed pieces of artwork framed with a black border. Photo by The Signal reporter Matt Noble.

Students showcase art and design prowess at the 2019 BFA Exhibition

By Matt Noble Last updated Apr 23, 2019 463 0

PHOTO: This years BFA show was the first to utilize the additional space of the new wing. With artwork held in both wings large works like Taylor Rodriguez's "Break Free" and McKenna Bailey's "Handmade" could center the rooms. Image is of main wing with Rodriguez's "Break Free" cedar and bronze owl sculpture in the center. Behind is Bailey's "Handmade," a hand made table and table setting with ceramics. Photo by The Signal Online Editor Alyssa Shotwell. — This years BFA show was the first to utilize the additional space of the new wing. With artwork held in both wings, large works like Taylor Rodriguez’s “Break Free” and McKenna Bailey’s “Handmade” could center the rooms. Photo by The Signal Online Editor Alyssa Shotwell.

On April 11, the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Exhibition, the culminating event for seniors in the Art and Design program at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), kicked off with its opening reception at the university’s art gallery. A group of spectators made up of family, alumni, students, faculty, administrators and staff gathered for this annual event. This exhibition represents the final showcase for students in the art and design degree program before graduation.

Students whose work is displayed in the gallery have prepared for this exhibition throughout their senior seminar course and many throughout their time at UHCL. The students worked with faculty and mentors, who narrow down art pieces and decide which ones will be put on display for the exhibition.

“We prepared our body of work during the course of our degree,” said Kimberly Hilligoss, art education major whose work is on display in the exhibition. “You pick your best five pieces, and then the faculty members choose two or three to be shown.”

In addition to the exhibition, faculty and the university’s art board decided which of the pieces and bodies of work on display went on to receive awards. These results were announced during the reception ceremony to a thrilled group of recipients.

“It’s definitely fulfilling to be able to be featured with your peers and be validated; there are no words,” said Maricela Ramos, art and design alumna who won Honorable Mention for an individual piece and Exceptional Body of Work for her entire collection. “I’m shocked. I came into this exhibition just to be shown. I’m flabbergasted to win Honorable Mention and Exceptional Body of Work.”

PHOTO: Shayna Painter-Jones' "The Small Stuff" features a book of digital illustrations and two large prints from the book framed on the wall. The book features people doing things that make them happy from sleeping in until noon to drawing on the floor. Photo by The Signal Online Editor Alyssa Shotwell. — Shayna Painter-Jones’ “The Small Stuff” features a book of digital illustrations and two large prints from the book framed on the wall. The book features people doing things that make them happy from sleeping in until noon to drawing on the floor. Photo by The Signal Online Editor Alyssa Shotwell.

The Exceptional Body of Work award is chosen by the art faculty but is presented and sponsored by the UHCL Art Association. The tradition started in the spring 2018 BFA Show with the award given to alumna Tiffany Ferris. This award, unlike others given at the event, is for a student’s entire work, not just one piece, and is awarded to a student who has been an active part in the arts community on campus.

For the students whose work is displayed, the exhibition serves as a reward for their diligence.

“It’s pretty cool to finally see your work in a gallery setting,” said Taylor Rodriguez, art and design major whose bronze and cedar sculpture “Break Free” won the exhibition’s Best of Show. “I feel like I’ve been working super hard, and it’s nice to get an award for it.”

The awards, recognition and opportunity to have artwork shown are all palpable goals for students in the programs that participate in the exhibition. Yet, some of them are quick to point out that artists and designers also have altruistic intentions.

PHOTO: Austin Stout's sculpture "Self Portrait" is a bronze hand holding a mirror made to look like a phone. Foundry is a course taken by many studio concentration students within the Art and Design BFA program. Photo by The Signal Online Editor Alyssa Shotwell. — Austin Stout’s sculpture “Self Portrait” is a bronze hand holding a mirror made to look like a phone. Foundry is a course taken by many studio concentration students within the Art and Design BFA program. Photo by The Signal Online Editor Alyssa Shotwell.

“It’s great to get Best of Show; that’s the goal,” said Dale Reed, art and design major who will be participating in next year’s exhibition. “But, more important than that is to bring inspiration to the viewer. That’s the most important thing.”

The information and experience that the exhibition brings to students are considered to be highly important as it allows them to practice presentation and build their portfolio, which will be used in their professional careers.

The exhibition typically represents different categories and styles of art, and this year is no exception. Sculpture, ceramics, digital media, printmaking, photography, paintings, fibers, woodworking, mixed media, and comic illustrations can be found in both contemporary and traditional forms.

While there are works designed to elicit various emotions and tell stories, some of the work is made purely for aesthetic purposes or as functional art.

The art gallery was able to expand the exhibition this year because of its expansion and renovation, which added another room, more infrastructure and more lighting.

The BFA exhibition runs through May 6 at the UHCL Art Gallery, which is located on the first floor of the Bayou Building. Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Friday: 9 a.m. – noon. For more information, call the gallery at 281-283-3311 or visit www.uhcl.edu/artgallery.