Life in the Fishbowl just got a little bit colorful

Beginning Nov. 27, the Fine Arts Studio Center has featured works from graduating students enrolled in the Department of Painting and Printmaking senior seminar course.

Associate professor Reni Gower taught 22 seniors the importance of basic professional artistic behavior. The writing-intensive course gave a chance for these artists to draft grant proposals among other tasks as well as plan an opening for a gallery exhibit. Centered around this course was the opportunity to conceive promotional materials, install art pieces and execute a reception for this exhibit that featured each of their work.

This exhibit, titled “Interaction 29,” is located on the third floor art space, fittingly called the Fishbowl. Out of the three entries that each student submitted, one work was chosen to be showcased. From there, duties were divided among the almost two dozen students to carry out this weeklong exhibition.

“Everyone took a different role,” said Frieda Masters, whose piece, “Evaluate the Worth of the Day: Decided to Go Back To Bed,” was showcased. Specific duties included writing press releases, designing and dispensing fliers and posters as well as the lighting and layout of the gallery.

“Besides performing our given task, we each took care of our own work to be shown,” said Masters.

Students were taught how to properly install art pieces as well as follow skilled artistic etiquette, such as keeping a clean art space environment and maintaining an open atmosphere to attract visitors.

“This course gave me a chance to navigate the pragmatic world of displaying art,” said Erik Gonzalez, the artist of “Structure III.”

“It’s one thing to take art out of the studio, and it’s another thing to show it,” he said.

Students with senior standing in the painting and printmaking department are required to take the class, which helps master artistic professionalism. Those wishing to further their education for the master’s program of the department were also given advice on how to apply into graduate school.

“I learned how to present a resume and develop an artistic statement,” said Janis O’Grady, artist of “Gregory’s Pond.”

“This course just prepares you how to present yourself and to go on to the outside world. It taught me how to prepare a gallery just as a commercial gallery would act.”

The exhibit ends today at 6 p.m.