“Oglethorpe’s Portfolio: Art by Students,” a new art exhibition from the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, debuted on Friday, Sept. 24 in the lobby of the Conant Performing Arts Center.
The exhibition features 13 works, in a variety of artistic styles and mediums, from seven student artists representing diverse academic disciplines:
Brenna Alford ’23 – studio art major
Jaziba Bahri ’23 – biology major
Xiadani Espinoza Hernandez ’23 – business administration major
Brandon Lawhorn ’24– theatre major
Montserrat Olvera Hernandez ’23 – economics major
Jackson Owen ’21 – studio art and art history major
Kaitlyn Terrell ’23 – studio art major
Student Nicole Buruse ’23 installs art for “Oglethorpe’s Portfolio”
“I have always derived joy from creating art; the process of developing and experimenting with techniques and compositions across different mediums is very fulfilling, even if it can be difficult,” notes student artist and biology major Jaziba Bahri ’23.
Not only does “Oglethorpe’s Portfolio” spotlight student art, but it also showcases the curatorial talents of another student—Nicole Buruse ’23, an art history major with a double minor in nonprofit management and business administration.
“Each artist submitted works they were most proud of, showed their individual authenticity, or represented something that mattered dearly to them,” says Buruse, “The purpose of this exhibition is to highlight each artist in their own way and emphasize their different academic backgrounds, ethnicities, sexualities, lifestyles, and more.”
Working together with Museum Director Elizabeth Peterson, Buruse took the lead on this unique project that helps expand OUMA’s influence beyond its permanent home on the third floor of Lowry Hall. Installing the exhibit in Conant was a perfect way to encourage students to explore campus and to catch the eyes of visitors.
“The Painter’s Studio” by Jackson Owen
In fact, “Oglethorpe’s Portfolio” arrives just ahead of the Sept. 29 opening night of “Heathers: The Musical,” the raucous dark comedy collaboration between the university and professional theatre company Actor’s Express. Throughout its month-long run on the Conant stage, guests will have the opportunity to appreciate the talents of Oglethorpe students both in the lobby and on the stage.
The exhibition will be on view in the Conant Gallery from Sept. 24 – Dec. 20, 2021. Students’ work and artist statements are available on the OUMA website.