Golden Hour: Senior Studio Art Majors Exhibition 2023 will be on view at the Hillstrom Museum of Art, Gustavus Adolphus College, from the College’s Honors Day, May 6, through Commencement, May 27, 2023. There will be an opening reception Saturday, May 6 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m..
Every year, Gustavus Adolphus College works with the Studio Art majors to put on a Senior Exhibition. This is a chance for the graduating students to display their works one last time, open for both the student body and the general public to come and see their artistic expressions.
The exhibition feature the works of Madeline Campbell, Cora Hentges, Murphy Hollingshead, Hannah Jones, Sage Kiefer, Oleander Meierhoff, Elliott Schroeder, and Taite Stevens Aldrich. Kristin Lowe is the faculty advisor for this project.
“This exhibition is thrilling because it represents the work that means the most to students and the work they have struggled to achieve and exhibit,” said Lowe. “ I would really encourage people to visit during Honors Day weekend when the show opens. If they can’t get there then stop by after lunch or breakfast! Anytime when someone feels the need for beauty and/or challenging ideas.”
Working with students throughout the years on this exhibit is a way to map how they grow through their own works and collaborating with others.
“They have grown in maturity,” Lowe remarked. “The ability to see process as a friend and that all great art takes much consideration to present it properly. They have become hungry for criticism and since feedback (both positive and negative) is crucial for idea and aesthetic development.”
“My favorite moment is when seniors walk into the museum and see their work displayed for the first time!” said Lowe when asked about her favorite moment working with the students.
Working together on a project of this nature over an extended period of time created a tight knit community, with Lowe having parting words for her students to take with them as they begin to go their own separate ways.
“Don’t let perfection get in the way of the good and find your inspiration through the work, not the other way around!” said Lowe. “I believe Albert Einstein had it right: ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.’ Or Maya Angelou when she said: ‘You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.’”
The opening reception for the exhibit is May 6, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hillstrom Museum of Art.