The first thesis gallery show of the spring is open now through April 8 in the Hastings College Jackson Dinsdale Art Center (JDAC). This exhibition features work from Anna Bryan of Lincoln, Nebraska; Jay Caskey of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Carley Davis of Prescott, Arizona; Rhys Maxey of Kersey, Colorado; Veronica Pinkerton of Beatrice, Nebraska; Miley Prine of Valley, Nebraska; and Ethan Ruff of Grand Island, Nebraska.
A lecture for the exhibition is Sunday, April 7, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Wilson Center Auditorium (814 N. Turner Avenue), followed by reception in the JDAC.
The JDAC galleries, located at 700 E. 12th Street in Hastings, are open from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The galleries, lecture and reception are free and open to the public.
Bryan’s collection of trompe l’oeil watercolors are a variety of literal and metaphorical timestamps that signify the fear of forgetting, celebrating life and preserving the memory of people they love through significant or everyday objects like receipts, wrappers and other mementos.
Caskey’s “A Head, Yet Behind” is a collection of five ceramic busts with elementions of different media. The pieces create a display of the emotional conflicts of those who are not well understood by general society.
“Creating Identities” by Davis ties in her background knowledge in both graphic design and marketing. Her body of work showcases personal and local business’s brand identities that she created based on current market research and aesthetic theories that help draw a viewer’s attention.
Maxey’s “Reflection” is a collection of mixed media pieces centered around the idea of self reflection. The multiple mirrored surfaces bring together the idea of seeing yourself from multiple perspectives. She said she hopes to invite others to the table to sit with themselves and look at their reflections through the installation.
“Cards of Connection” by Pinkerton explores how art can nurture relationships through the exchange of cards. Every design tells a story waiting for the viewer’s personal touch through a handwritten message.
Prine’s art exhibition features graphic design work of three different businesses as they would be presented to a client. Together, these pieces demonstrate her versatility and skill as a graphic designer, showcasing a diverse range of styles and aesthetics to enrich her portfolio.
Ruff’s installation is a collection of india ink prints of spirituality by contrasting surreal ethereal landscapes, geometric structures, and human forms. It explores peace, connection, and hope in a higher power.
Two additional thesis shows are scheduled for the spring — April 12-25, with the lecture and reception set for Sunday, April 21; and April 29-May11, with a lecture and reception set for Sunday, May 5.
Hastings College is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Discover more at hastings.edu.
