Huntington student to present senior art exhibit
FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Huntington, Ind.-Trista Watson, a visual art education major at Huntington University, will soon showcase her senior projects at the Robert E. Wilson Gallery in the Merillat Centre for the Arts. Her exhibition will take place from Nov. 26 to Dec. 7 with an artist's reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1. The exhibit, titled "Familiar Forms," will present seven paintings and a 25-piece clay dinnerware set that are a culmination and reflection of what she has learned at Huntington.
Horizontal Forms from Watson's dinnerware set
Former Assistant Professor of Art Andy Dickson and Assistant Professor of Art Ken Hopper encouraged Watson to present paintings for the gallery. She found inspiration in some of the people closest to her. "I wanted to paint familiar people. The eight people represented are a cross-section of my social interactions. It's a glimpse of my relationships with different people."
The inspiration for the dinnerware set also came from a familiar place. "I made the set family style, for more everyday use. The pieces are sturdy and have warmer tones."
"Glenn (Padre) Watson"
Rebecca Coffman, professor of art, supported Watson's idea for the dinnerware set. The creation of the set was enjoyable and useful for Watson. "I wanted to refine my skills in wheel throwing. The design for the set came naturally. It was easy to plan, though it was hard to complete. I feel my wheel throwing ability has made a leap and that I was pretty successful."
Watson of Chambersburg, Pa., is the daughter of Glenn and Deborah Watson. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in art education in May. Watson has minors in graphic design and fine arts.
The Robert E. Wilson Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and before all Merillat Centre for the Arts performances. The senior exhibit is free and open to the public. For further information, call interim gallery director Barb Michel at (260) 359-4172.
