Studio art seniors share ‘Pieces of Mind’

Sleepless nights in Ann Peppers Hall, streaky Konica Minolta prints, and X-Acto knife pricks all culminated in an extravagant conclusion for graduating studio art majors: The annual senior art show, Pieces of Mind, ended with a closing reception on April 19, the evening before the College of Arts and Sciences Commencement.

The show was the grand finale of the studio art capstone semester. After years of constant involvement in one another’s work and numerous opportunities for critique, the seniors were on their own—to an extent. The course was administered by Professor of Sculpture Raúl Acero and Professor of Graphic Design Penny McElroy, who always opened class with the question, “Who needs to talk to us today?” So, while the students weren’t completely left to their own devices, it was up to them to be vigilant when they had questions or wanted a critique.

Alison Anders ’18 appreciates the purpose behind working in a more individualized manner, pointing out that “this is how I’ll be creating art after I graduate.”

Studio art can be an expensive major, given the cost of art supplies and other equipment. Luckily, seniors had the opportunity to apply for the Peppers Art Award for grants of up to $300 to cover the cost of their projects, made possible by the Ann Peppers Foundation. “The foundation has been very generous to our department, as Mrs. Peppers had a soft spot in her heart for us,” McElroy explains.

All 17 artists were present at the closing reception, in which family members from near and far, Redlands community members, and fellow Redlands students turned out in droves.

“Having my work on display was overwhelming,” says Mayra Garcia Adame ’18. “But, I was also really proud to see reactions to what I created—I did what I set out to do.”

Tierney Weinman ’18 had similar feelings about putting her work on display, saying, “It was nerve-wracking, but not in a bad way. Somebody actually asked to buy one of my pieces; it isn’t for sale, but it was a good feeling.”

The mood was more somber the next morning as the seniors met at the gallery one last time to dismantle the exhibit.

Pondering what she’ll miss most about the Studio Art Department, Garcia Adame says, “Everything! Especially the feeling I get when I walk into Ann Peppers Hall. It has always felt like a second home to me.”

“I will miss the group of people I spent countless hours designing with,” says Teddy Best ’18. “I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time with students and professors who genuinely love what they do.”

Enjoy art from the show below.