Learning by Design: Show Doubles as Artistic Training Ground for Gardner-Webb Seniors

Art majors Create Student Sculpture Exhibition Opening on Oct. 20 in Tucker Student Center

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—A new exhibit in Pouryousefi Gallery in Tucker Student Center has a two-fold purpose. Created by senior art majors in the Senior Seminar and Exhibitions I class, the show gives them hands-on experience on how to create a compelling display while also showcasing sculptures designed by students of Adjunct Professor Matthew Jones. The opening reception for the Sculpture Exhibition is Oct. 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. The show will be displayed through Oct. 27.

The three seniors responsible for arranging the artwork are Emma Wiggins, Jillian Enlow, and Isabel Gallegos. Enlow and Gallegos also have pieces in the show. “This class is prepping us for graduate school, or if we wanted to go into a gallery career position, it teaches us how to handle artwork, how to transport artwork, how to prep the walls and how to create a space that’s visually engaging for students, who may walk into the space, and say, ‘Hey, I really like going to galleries,’” Wiggins informed. “It creates an opportunity where people who may not be in the art world can enjoy it.”

Wiggins and Gallegos are planning to go to graduate school after completing their bachelor’s at Gardner-Webb. The application process will begin in January. Wiggins is a two-dimensional artist who does drawing and painting. Gallegos works in ceramics and has enjoyed taking sculpting classes. Enlow, of Linconlton, N.C., is still exploring her options for either graduate school or work. A studio arts major, she is a multi-talented artist and likes drawing, painting, sculpting, ceramics, and creating digital artwork.

Wiggins, of Robbinsville, N.C., noted that the Exhibition I class has taught her that artists need to know how to best showcase their artwork. “You need to make your art for you,” she explained. “You need to create to express who you are—whatever the meaning is behind your art—but you also need to know how to show it and be professional in a way that it can be easily viewed and accessed by other people. You need to have a plethora of skills. You need to make digital content. You have to know how to write well; you have to know how to photograph well; you have to be just well-rounded to be an artist in today’s generation.”

Wiggins said her educational journey at Gardner-Webb has positively impacted the way she approaches the creative process. She chose to attend Gardner-Webb because of the close-knit campus. “It fostered everything that I value in life: faith, family, and my relationship with God,” Wiggins described. “And it has been exactly what I needed for this season.”

Gallegos, of Charlotte, N.C., has enjoyed the opportunity to actively participate in the installation process of the show. She and her classmates have gained more appreciation for the time and effort—the sanding, painting, and thoughtful planning—that go into preparing a show, and they are excited to apply what they’ve learned to their next project. “When you submit work to an exhibition, you take that for granted,” she remarked. “I’ve learned that we have to be three steps ahead and there’s a lot more prep that I didn’t know we were going to be doing.”

While working to refine the display, Gallegos, Enlow and Wiggins remained open to receiving the expert guidance of Jones and Professor Emerita of English and Art Dr. Nancy Bottoms, who teaches the class.

“I’ve learned how quickly things can change,” Gallegos acknowledged. “Initially, we had set up three sections, which were our sculpture, porcelain heads, and then our reliefs and abstract work. It made sense in our head, but after coming in, we realized that we need to be about to walk around the sculpture. We’re working with a 3D object here, so we’re not just placing it on a pedestal. People have to be able to interact with it.”

As viewers take the time to examine the art, Enlow shared that she hopes they will be inspired by the “passion and creative energies” of the artists, who are not all art majors.

Enlow added that organizing the Sculpture Exhibition helped build her confidence, and she’s excited to assemble the next show on Nov. 10. The upcoming exhibit will highlight even more pieces from her, Wiggins, and Gallegos, offering the seniors another opportunity for creative growth and collaboration.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at gardner-webb.edu.