On Mon., Feb 29, the senior art show exhibit for Andrew Minor and Maria Vander Plaats will open at the Te Paske Gallery in the Korver Visual Arts Center. The exhibit will be shown through Friday, March 4. Titled “Where I’m From,” the exhibit highlights themes of life in the South and family legacy.
Graphic design major Andrew Minor chose to focus on several aspects of the beach and life in the South.
“This theme suits me well because the beach is one of my favorite places to visit,” Minor said. “And I plan on living in a state with a beach after college.”
Art major Maria Vander Plaats chose to focus on the theme of family legacy.
“In advanced painting I looked at old photos of my grandparents and tried to emulate them,” Vander Plaats said. “I’ve also painted sentimental buildings or objects that are within my family. It has been interesting to learn more about my family’s history.”
As reflected in the title of the exhibit, Vander Plaats is hoping viewers will learn more about her heritage.
“I hope viewers are able to see a little bit more about where I’m from, and that they can also relate their own stories and upbringings,” Vander Plaats said. Vander Plaats also noted a new idea they are hoping to use with the exhibit.
“We are planning to do our guest book a little differently so that people can write down memories from growing up, sign it and write the place that they’re from,” Vander Plaats said. “And then we will hang them up next to our artist statement.”
Minor is hoping viewers will be able to connect with their past experiences. “I’m hoping that my viewers see the beauty and activities that take place on vacation when visiting the beach,” Minor said. “I’m hoping that they will connect with a couple of my pieces by their past experiences of the ocean.”
Minor, who has found Graphic Design II to be his most inspirational art class, plans to work as a graphic designer for a few years after college before moving on to other occupations. He also plans to purchase and remodel homes and open a small chain of coffee shops.
Vander Plaats would like to be a teacher’s assistant after her graduation in May. “I hope to be a teacher’s assistant during the school year for the next while,” Vander Plaats said, “but I would ultimately like to work for Vi Bella because I think they have a great mix of the things I’m passionate about with Art, Culture and Ministry. I went to Haiti my sophomore year on an SSP and fell in love with the place, so it would be great to work for a ministry that works with that.”
A public reception with Minor and Vander Plaats is scheduled for 7 p.m. on the exhibit’s opening night.
