In most traditional painting courses, students complete their final projects by presenting their artwork in a classroom setting. However, in Visiting Assistant Professor of Studio Art Abigail Gregg‘s Advanced Painting course, students took their creativity far beyond the classroom.
For their final project, each student curated deeply personal and dynamic exhibitions showcased across Oglethorpe’s campus and the Metro Atlanta area.
Throughout the semester, students dedicated themselves to more than just painting. They immersed themselves in the process of curating an exhibition by networking with professionals and pitching their exhibitions to spaces in Atlanta. While they spent hours painting, they also devoted time to building project proposals and communicating the artistic meaning of their exhibition.
“This project is a testing ground for being active members of the art community,” says Gregg. “Students are able to practice the necessary professional development skills to present their work and navigate professional relationships, all while staying true to their artistic vision.”
“This way, students are pushed to get this invaluable practice while still in a tight-knit classroom community of other artists, and with support and advice from their professors.”
Luna Ramirez ’25 displayed her exhibition “Speculum Humanae” in the archives of the Philip Weltner Library. Taking inspiration from the religious text “Mirror of Human Salvation,” Ramirez’s work explored “personal ruminations on the impact of history on our bodies.”
The assignment description and course emphasized the importance of an exhibition’s location. By displaying her art within the library’s archives, Ramirez symbolically connected her pieces to the depths of history itself.
“Looking for a gallery is not only about finding whichever space to display one’s work, but how an artist can activate the space with their work,” said the studio art major.
In addition to her library exhibit, Ramirez also had an exhibition at the Besharat Gallery in Atlanta. While she identifies first as an artist, Ramirez found the most transformative aspect of the course to be her interactions with gallery curators.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t care about people viewing my work. On the contrary, having a wide range of people seeing the fruits of my craft is just as invaluable,” she said.
“The most joyous part of setting up an exhibition is getting to connect with the space/ gallery… It’s akin to meeting a new friend. The work has now been linked with the history of being within these galleries indefinitely, much like how a friend forms a place in one’s memories.”
The following students displayed their exhibitions earlier in November and December across Atlanta:
- Max Whitehead at The Howard School
- Sloane Strauss at La Semilla Restaurant,
- Anna Pinneau at Oglethorpe’s Conant Performing Arts Center Lobby
- Coltrane Cheatham at Oglethorpe’s Student Success Office
- Luna Ramirez in the Philip Weltner Library Archives & Besharat Gallery
- Theo Kitchell in Oglethorpe’s Trustee Room
- Ilissa McGowin at Balance Design Studio
There is still a chance to see the work of the following students:
- Bernice Liao at Happy Dog Spa 10305 Medlock Bridge Rd Suite C-2, Johns Creek, GA 30097, Dec. 18, 2024 from 7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.
- Michael Yelton at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, date to be determined
- Jenni Velasquez at Oglethorpe’s intercultural center, date to be determined
