SRU BFA majors display capstone works at senior exhibition

Nov. 27, 2019

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Slippery Rock University' Martha Gault Art Gallery will host a trio of senior capstone exhibitions Dec. 2-12 as part of Art Department's biannual Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition.

An opening reception for the artists is from 6-8 p.m., Dec. 2. The reception and exhibition are free and open to the community.

The exhibition will showcase works in printmaking, photography and painting with capstone projects that include "Fallen" by Jessica Giuliano, a senior art major from Elizabethtown; "Serenity" by Christine Murcko, a senior art major from Sharon; and "Everything is Vine" by Brianna Hannon, a senior art major from New Oxford.

Staging a capstone exhibition is a requirement for the BFA degree. The exhibition provides students the opportunity to layout and install their own works in a professional setting.

"These exhibitions showcase works that are extremely accomplished, beautiful and sometimes provocative," said Theresa Antonellis, art instructor and director of the Martha Gault Art Gallery. "Students spent the entire semester creating a cohesive body of work that demonstrates the skills they have acquired over the past four years.

   ANTONELLIS

"It can be hard to create artwork that is able to stand up to public scrutiny and is up to the highest gallery standards. This exhibition demonstrates the beautiful accomplishments of these students' artwork and is meant to celebrate them before they go on to an even bigger celebration - their graduation."

Giuliano's "Fallen" is a printmaking series that emphasizes abstraction and utilizes dark tones that are portrayed through the use of sculpture and installation.

Murcko's "Serenity" is a painting series of imaginary landscapes that are bright and saturated, creating a soft aliveness that is metaphorical for themes of peace while trying to convey inner feelings of serenity and calmness.

"I think (the exhibition) is a great culmination of the past four years," said Murcko. "I found my inspiration through observations in nature, such as the way the sky looks after a storm...how dark it is...but when you see the sun peeling back those layers of darkness, there's a glow. I enjoyed simplistic style applied to abnormal scenes and focused on blending and light, especially the application of warm tones."

Hannon's "Everything is Vine" is a photo series of foliage and greenery that emphasizes the importance of taking a break from one's typical lifestyle in order to find solace and simplicity in nature, while also acknowledging an everlasting symbol of growth, change, adaption and patience.

"Parts of my photos stretch outside of their frames and across the walls of the gallery to express the peaceful persistence in which nature continues to prosper, no matter how many obstacles we build," said Hannon.

The Martha Gault Art Gallery is located at 108 Maltby Ave., Suite 102, Maltby Building, Slippery Rock University, 16057 and is handicapped accessible. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lesa Bressanelli | 724.738.2091 | lnb1009@sru.edu