The highlight of the art department’s graduate program is seeing the hard work of their graduate theses. This is when graduates take all of their work and allow their families, friends and classmates to see and appreciate it.
Those are just the VIP visitors, though. Thesis displays are open for anyone to attend, whether they’re an Eastern student, prospective student or someone who just walked in off of the street. They don’t even have to
be associated with the artist displaying their work. Any art lover is welcome.
As for prospective students, they would have to be very hard to impress to not be blown away by the talent shown in these exhibits.
The art department prides itself on these shows because they compliment what the program has to offer.
Graduate thesis exhibits are held in the Ford Gallery in Ford Hall. As well as allowing students to display their work, this project helps graduate students gain some experience in exhibiting their own work and managing gallery space. It’s an exhilarating yet challenging experience that has students nervous while counting down the days at the same time.
The latest artist showcasing her work this semester is Connaught Cullen. She is a graduate student at Eastern Michigan University completing her Master’s of Arts with a concentration in painting. She has been preparing for this show since she entered the program in 2008.
Her art show is opening on Monday, Dec. 5 and runs through Friday, Dec. 9. There will also be a reception from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Cullen has been painting since the mid-‘90s, and the pieces showcased in this exhibit will span from when she began her art to her very recent pieces.
She describes her paintings as “abstract, nature-based landscaping.” She focuses mainly on textures and patterns.
“I draw my inspiration from patterns you find when there’s breakdown in the natural world,” she said. She said she seeks to imply a sense of otherness suggesting something foreign invading the natural. One of her paintings is displayed on the art department’s website – a kind of tease for the rest of her show
The exhibit gives Cullen the opportunity to put her art out there, knowing people are really enjoying the pieces she put her heart and soul into. Needless to say, she’s very excited.
“I am very happy,” she said. “I hope a lot of people show up.”
The hours for Cullen’s exhibit are Mon. and Thurs. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tues. and Weds. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
