Seniors showcase work in “Catharsis Experience” art exhibit

^{Carson-Newman’s Bianca Williams, left, and Rai Schatz display their work in a senior exhibit which will run through March 28 in C-N’s Omega Gallery.}

Two Carson-Newman University seniors have upgraded their senior art show from exhibit to “Catharsis Experience.”

Rai Schatz and Bianca Williams, both photographers, seek to spark emotion through their images.

“We chose the title ‘Catharsis Experience’ because it represents what our photographs in this gallery have been for us: a means of purifying emotions and healing through the arts,” explained Schatz.

The show opened Sunday, March 10, and will be on display through Thursday, March 28.

“My photography typically focuses on up-close imagery of nature and animals,” said Schatz, a photography emphasis art student from Nashville, TN. “I am inspired by a desire to expose details in nature that might otherwise go unnoticed during a fleeting glance.” Her pictures tend to focus more on organic subjects rather than man-made objects.

Williams, from Rockledge, Fl., is also a photography emphasis art student double-majoring in religion.

“My inspiration comes from the everyday interactions and events that occur in my life. Sometimes I will just go out on shoots with my friends and magic will happen. My imagination is always working,” said Williams.

Williams and Schatz contribute their inspiration and encouragement to C-N’s Art Department professors.

“I love how small and intimate my classes are at Carson-Newman. The teachers often go above and beyond to help inspire and support the students,” Schatz said.

The show is on display in C-N’s 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 a guest book.

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.

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 (865) 471-4985.

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