The Guilfordian

Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: Amy Drolet Tim Grau works on part of his installation dealing with themes of choice, chance and consequence

Media Credit: Amy Drolet

Media Credit: Amy Drolet Emily Johnson cleans her brushes while painting. Her work can be seen on the wall behind her.

The Hildebrandt House is full of energy. Students bustle through the art-filled rooms. Sketches and paintings are pinned or propped up against walls and a sign warns visitors of the light sensitive pieces. This liveliness will soon be relocated from the temporary studio space to Founders Hall Gallery to kick off the Senior Thesis Art Exhibition.

The exhibit, entitled "hypoTHESIS," features the artwork of seven seniors and opens on April 25.

Eligibility for the show is dependent on application approval in the students' junior year and a 3.25 GPA in art courses.

"hypoTHESIS" is optional for students seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree. However, candidates for Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) are required to take a yearlong series of courses culminating in the exhibition.

"The first semester is a warm-up where you're feeling out what you want to do," said Amanda Armbrust, candidate for BFA who specializes in drawing. "Now I'm totally confident that this is my style."

The amount of time dedicated to the pieces also adds to the excitement and nervousness surrounding the opening of the exhibit.

"It's way more significant because this is a humongous body of work that I've focused on for an entire academic year," said Kay Kelley, also seeking a BFA in drawing.

Many of the students have presented previous works at art shows and several have won awards for their art. But experience and recognition don't necessarily lessen the pressure of a two-weeklong exhibit at Guilford.

"It's more nerve-wracking to be in front of my peers and the faculty here," Kelley said.

"These pieces were made under pressure, but I'm excited to share them with people I see everyday," Armbrust said.

Not only are the artists excited to showcase their artwork to their friends and other members of the Guilford community, they are also anxious for feedback.

"We encourage you to talk - actively engage the group - don't be afraid to talk to the artists and ask a lot of questions," Kelley said.

The opening lasts from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and all of the artists will be present and enthusiastic.

"(The opening) is going to be celebration time!" Kelley said.


For more information about Gallery hours during the rest of the exhibit, visit the Founders Hall Info Desk.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools