VSU Art Presents Drawing a New Path Nov. 11-Dec. 3

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University will celebrate the work of 18 Department of Art students when it hosts Drawing A New Path in the Fine Arts Gallery through Dec. 3. An opening reception, featuring music by the Student Jazz Combo and a chance to meet the artists, will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11.  

Drawing A New Path features paintings, jewelry, prints, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media, and photography created by Gina Alexander, Maggie Bean, Katie Bracewell, Ashley Curtis, Davionee Eversley, Kaleb Foshee, Casey Fowler, Freddie Hudson Jr., Rosanna Grasser, Jessica Lynn Logan, Courtney Lopez, Candice Madrid, Mary Glynn Miley, Maurice Rosemond, Jacob Ruppel, Rhashad Turner, Rachel West, and Stephen Wright. All of the students are art majors who anticipate graduating in December.

“This show represents the final step in our academic career,” said Grasser, fall 2012 senior exhibition publicity chairwoman. “Every artist is so unique.”

A native of Tifton, she explained why the show is called Drawing A New Path: “Even though each artist is unique and has his or her own strengths and desired medium, we all share the same foundation of drawing. Every piece of art, whether it’s a piece of jewelry or a sculpture or a painting, starts with a preliminary drawing. As kids, we all started by drawing.”

Grasser, 23, hopes to use her Bachelor of Arts degree to find work in event planning or public relations. She would like to own a studio/gallery someday and help fellow up-and-coming artists show their work. She specializes in photography, sculpture, and painting.

When she first entered college, Grasser originally planned to pursue a career in the field of nursing. She wanted to help people, to make a difference. However, the draw of the world of art was too strong for her to ignore, and the more she thought about it, the more she realized that she could still help people, still make a difference with her art.

“If I am going to do something, then I want to do something I love,” she said. To all those who worry about her becoming a starving artist, she added, “I am looking for something greater than money.”

The VSU Fine Arts Gallery is located on the first floor of the Fine Arts Building, at the intersection of Brookwood Drive and Oak Street. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.

Contact Julie Bowland at (229) 333-5835 or jabowlan@valdosta.edu to learn more.

On the Web: http://www.valdosta.edu/art/