Student art to be showcased in spring gallery show starting April 17

"Whitescapes" by Savanna Propp
"Whitescapes" by Savanna Propp
"Still Life" by Savanna Propp
"Still Life" by Savanna Propp
"Stage Wings" by Kelly Alekna
"Stage Wings" by Kelly Alekna

A collection of drawings, paintings and other artwork by more than 15 campus students will fill the Schwalbach Gallery in the Lange Student Center on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County campus, starting April 17, as a showcase of current student art in multiple media goes on display. The exhibit runs daily through May 31. The campus will also host an opening reception on April 24 from 9:30-11 a.m.   

The student work uses a wide range of techniques, including printmaking and 3-D art as well as paintings, drawings and mixed media.  

“I wanted to showcase work by both art majors and non-art majors, so the show has pieces from the Art Survey class and Women in the Arts, as well as painting and drawing classes,” said Letha Kelsey, professor in the Department of Performing and Visual Arts, who is curating the exhibit. 

Sophomore Kelly Alekna, who is finishing her fourth semester on campus and has completed an independent study with Kelsey, will have four pieces in the gallery. This includes a 3-D charcoal and pen piece called “Stage Wings,” and her favorite, a drawing called “Bundle of Joy,” which combines depictions of some of her favorite useful objects, like tennis shoes and sunglasses, with an image of a woman figure holding the bundle together.  

“I was very glad Professor Kelsey wanted to put my work in the show,” said Alekna. “There’s so much that doing art and studying art on campus has taught me. I think everyone should take an art class.” 

Kelsey says studying and making art can help all students grow their observational skills and learn to interact with their observations as they develop their own point of view on the world.  

“Artists are dealing with all kinds of senses and perceptions, and the work in the show has taught students about connecting with their own aesthetic sensibility,” said Kelsey. “That connection grows a skill that improves anyone’s ability to move through the world with sincerity and intelligence.”