Hannah Shie is hosting her senior art show tonight at 7 p.m. in the Te Paske Art Gallery.
The title of the show, “Caminando por las calles,” means “Walking Through the Streets.” It combines Shie’s double major of Graphic Design and Spanish.
Shie’s inspiration for the show comes from her study abroad experience in Spain.
“I took a lot of photos when I was there,” Shie said. “For my art show I kept some still photos but added multimedia, photo transfers and some stitching. They are all of different perspectives of streets and buildings.”
Originally an Elementary Education major before switching a month into college, Shie took a couple of AP art classes in high school and missed working on art.
“I didn’t know if I wanted to be an art major because it isn’t always practical all of the time,” Shie said. “I thought I would try graphic design and I ended up liking it.”
When creating something new, Shie often thinks about how her audience will perceive her work.
“I ask peers what they think about it,” Shie said. “I know that if I don’t like it, I won’t want to show it or put it up, so in a sense it is still for me.”
Spanish has played a large part in Shie’s life and can be seen through out her pieces displayed in the show.
“I kept Spanish because I have always loved the language and culture, and I wanted to study abroad and saw that as a way to do it, Shie said.
This summer she will be in Columbia for six weeks working a graphic design internship doing missions with a church.
Shie is one of two art majors selected to have their own show; other students are paired up for a combined exhibit.
Senior Kali Wolkow is the second major with her own show, “Following Suit.” Wolkow will have her reception April 15 at 7 p.m.
Wolkow did not want to be an art major when she began her freshman year, but was encouraged by a professor to give it a try.
“In high school I hated art classes, so I just took one,” Wolkow said. “I wanted to be an athlete in college until I broke my leg freshman year. I then took Intro to Studio with Emily Stokes to get it done with and by the time the semester was over, I thought I would try it.”
Wolkow believes that art is a good stress reliever in a busy world.
“I write all the time and love writing but it can be really stressful to write 40 pages throughout a semester,” Wolkow said. “Sometimes it’s really nice to come to the art building and paint for six hours.”
Wolkow also uses art to express her thoughts in ways that words cannot.
“Art is the way for me to show my appreciation for my family because a lot of it has ties to tradition and heritage,” Wolkow said.
The art show is based heavily on her family traditions of Christmas and playing cards.
“Playing cards is something that everyone on both sides of my family can do and enjoy it,” Wolkow said. “A lot of my art is made out of playing cards, have playing card symbols, or have Christmas themes.”
Wolkow is centering her show around her love of telling stories.
“I create to remember,” Wolkow said. “It’s about the connection of stories, the people you meet, and the places you go.”
After graduation, Wolkow will be pursuing a Ph.D in English at Kansas University.
Students and staff are invited to attend the gallery receptions to see the variety of artwork and hear about the artists’ passion behind their pieces.
