Art students open “Real Life” exhibit

^{Elli Edwards, Samantha Bates, and Camille Hooper held an opening reception on Sunday, February 3, for their three-person senior art show, “This is Real Life.” The show will remain on display through Friday, March 1, in the Omega Gallery in the Warren Art Building.}

Get a taste of life through the eyes of three Carson-Newman art student’s senior exhibit, which opened Sunday, Feb. 3.

The exhibit, titled “This is Real Life,” features the artwork of Camille Hooper, Elli Edwards and Samantha Bates and will be on display through Friday, March 1.

“I would say the theme of my photography is ‘experiencing life,’” said Edwards, a photography emphasis art student from Kissimmee, Florida, whose photography is displayed in weathered frames echoing the vintage feel of her art.

Bates, from Dahlonega, Georgia, is a graphic design emphasis art student, but the show displays her watercolor talent as well.

“My desire is for my visual communications to give people a way to relate to real life topics,” Bates said.

One project highlights the tragedy of human trafficking and acts as a visual call to action.

Photographer Hooper, of Cookeville, also holds true to the “real life” theme.

“I am inspired by the challenge to capture God’s sweet creation through candid expression,” Hooper said.

Her photos often capture the moment of emotion in human interaction.

The girls contribute their artistic success to quality professors in C-N’s Art Department.

“The Lord has used the people in the Art Department, such as the professors and students to help inspire my art work. I’m so blessed!” Edwards said.

The show remains on display in the Omega Gallery, which is located in the Warren Art Building, on the corner of Branner Avenue and South College Street.

The public is invited to browse the gallery and leave the artists comments in the guest book.

Admission is free and the Omega Gallery is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the Art Department at 471-4985.

The show is part of the school’s senior-year exhibition program, where graduating seniors showcase some of their best work in single or multi-person shows.

C-N offers bachelor degrees in art and photography, both with traditional fine art foundations within a four-year liberal arts program. C-N is an institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.