Studio art senior Moriah Voogd’s lifelong interest is art. As a little girl, Voogd would draw on her dad’s sermon notes and cover her homework in doodles. For Voogd, her passion for art has developed on a deeper level since childhood and is the influence behind her college major and desire to go into interior design.
“Aesthetes” is the theme for this semester’s Senior Studio Art Exhibition, and it boasts a variety of artwork created by the senior students of the studio and digital arts program.
The exhibition showcases work from the seniors’ academic career, featuring photography, drawing, painting and sculpture.
The “Aesthetes” opening reception took place Oct. 18 at the Liberty University Art Gallery in Green Hall. Dozens of people visited the event to mingle with the artists, view the collections, purchase artwork and enjoy
refreshments.
Exhibition Assistant Candace Sampson said the exhibition gives seniors an opportunity to showcase their work. Sampson noted that the exhibition allows seniors to market and make connections with the community.
The Senior Art Exhibition also allowed visitors to get to know the artists personally and see what is behind their work.
“What I love about these exhibits is that you can see the personality of the artists and an in-depth look into who they are and why they create,” Sampson said.
Voogd believes that artists can subtlety integrate the Gospel into art.
“I love showing God’s creation in art and pointing all the glory back to Him,” Voogd said. “What you can do with art is to bring to the surface things that aren’t necessarily seen.”
Paige Parlier majors in studio art and graphic design and hopes to teach art in a school setting. Parlier’s collection consists of an array of pieces that share a nautical theme. She explained how the light of the lighthouse and the anchor both represent Jesus, as He is the premise of each piece. Parlier incorporates some Bible verses in her work and hopes that people will see God’s creation in her art.
Studio art senior Brianna Ethier shares a love of art. To be able to paint or draw from life amazes her.
“Painting is just observation,” Ethier said. “(It is) to have an interpretation of the creations of God.”
Ethier hopes that people who view her art will take away the peace and therapeutic effect that she receives while creating art. Ethier encourages anyone considering pursuing art to keep trying and not give up.
“If God has given you the ability, keep working on it,” Ethier said.
For more information on Liberty’s Studio Art department, visit the website. Visit the Senior Studio Art Exhibition until Nov. 1 to take a look at the work of Liberty’s talented artists.