Jackson State University senior art students have a dazzling and profuse array of art on display at the Dollye M.E. Robinson Gallery.
But the number and variety is understandable. “Senior students are exhibiting artwork they have created during their four years here at JSU,” explained gallery director LaNeysa Harris.
Dozens of works from photography to ceramics to oil paintings, water colors and mixed-installations are on display at least until April 30, and possibly longer, Harris said. The free exhibit open to the public can be viewed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Are the students ready to graduate and survive as artists in the real world?
“Absolutely,” says Assistant Art Professor Mark Geil, who teaches photography and senior “capstone” art.
“Capstone” art, Geil explained, is teaching the tools necessary to exist as an artist, from creating a portfolio to charging for art — the nuts and bolts of surviving as an artist.
Key to that is having “a clear idea of where you want to be,” Geil said.
Or, to put it succinctly, he advises: “To have a creative career, you have to be creative.”
The 16 seniors displaying their work are all capstone students, he said. This is more than previous years, when there have been 7 or 11 students showing.
One of those showing her work is Kimberly Hernandez, a senior from Galt, Calif. She said she started taking ceramics in high school and has come to enjoy it more and perfect her art.
She particularly likes Disney or Pixar type figures. “And that’s exactly what I want to do, those kinds of characters.”
Before she goes professional with her art, though, she has another project. She says she’s getting married right after graduation. Some of the figures she has on display reflect her courtship, and future dreams.