An array of imagination surrounded by wandering eyes and peaceful music contributed to the mood that accompanied the Senior Art Exhibition titled, “New Chapters in Creativity.”    

Family, friends, students and professors gathered at A&T’s Henry Clinton Taylor Gallery inside of James B. Dudley Memorial Building to welcome and introduce the artworks of this year’s graduating seniors. The exhibition began with an opening by the University Galleries director, Shawnya Harris, an introduction to the evening’s guests and events by Dr. Brenda Faison, program director of the Visual Arts Department and a closing by visual arts professor, James Barnhill.

    As the guests and artists made their way to the gallery, soft music played in the background as the room became flooded with looks of surprise, contentment, inspiration and the like. The seniors with art displayed in the exhibition are Alex Dingle, Marcus Nolen, Desiree Tatum, Travis Brown, Brandon Webb, Carrie Nobles, Calmeese Howard, Tangie Mack, Brandon Bennett, Octavius Joyner, Jerry Vincent, Jr. and Tierra Hayes.

    “They’ve done an excellent job. I’m very proud of what they’ve done and their accomplishments,” said visual arts professor, LeAnder Canady who was a visual arts graduate of A&T. “In fact, all of them I taught either in color theory, print making or drawing.”

    From Brandon Webb’s “Kissing Baby” to Desiree Tatum’s “Solitude” the collection of talent was evident. Several of the pieces reflected current events such as portraits and sculptures of President Barack Obama as well as historical pieces that displayed African history and culture and its transition to America.

Other pieces included themes such as cars, women and serene locations such as the beach or mountains. Works included paintings, sculptures, graphic designs and a variety of mixed media with a number of artworks for sale.

“I’m really proud of the students because I’ve known them since I’ve gotten here and it’s something for me to look forward to my senior year when my artwork gets in here,” sophomore visual arts student from Hickory, NC Rashita Connelly said. “I’m excited for them; I wish the best for them.”

    One of the students whom she’s come to know is Jerry Vincent, Jr., senior visual arts design major from Roxboro, NC. Several of his pieces contained illustrations of cars, while one portrayed an image of a Greek god. Vincent’s inspirations come from family, friends, movies, TV, magazines and other artists’ artwork.

“I try to use familiar subject matter; I try to deal with things that people can recognize,” he said. “After college I plan to work for a couple of years, take a couple of years off, work and try to get myself out of debt. And then, I’m thinking about going back to graduate school somewhere in North Carolina.”

Vincent, as many others exhibiting art, explained to onlookers the time and effort they put into their work as well as what mediums they used. One of Vincent’s pieces as well as another by Brandon Bennett used actual sand to enhance his work. The sand, as both of them explained, had to be glued onto the canvas in layers and allowed to dry and soak up several coats of paint.

These two pieces are just few of the examples of the work that will be up on display in the gallery until May 8. The galleries of Dudley are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I’m just glad this day has finally come,” Vincent said. “These are some of my strongest pieces.” 

• Stacie Bailey