DANBURY, CONN. —DANBURY, CONN. — Three Western Connecticut State University graduate student candidates for the Master of Fine Arts degree in 2016 will present their works in the M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition running from March 31 through April 11, 2016 in the Art Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the university’s Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury.

A reception for the artists will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at the gallery. Admission will be free to the reception and the exhibition, and the public is invited. The gallery will be open for viewing from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The WCSU Department of Art organizes the M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition each spring as a capstone experience demonstrating the personal artistic direction and mastery of candidates for the M.F.A. in Visual Arts, expressed in the works they present for viewing. The following M.F.A. students will show their works in this year’s exhibition:

“Avocado Plant,” graphite on paper, by Meghan Balliett

Meghan Gargano Balliett, of Woodbury, works primarily on paper with graphite, lithographic crayon and ink sticks. A graduate of Lesley University, Balliett described her linear plant drawings with graphite as illuminations of an active and deep connection with her subject. In her large-scale works, she manipulates her artistic materials to create drawings designed to give the viewer a visual and physical experience. “I am inspired by minimalism, nature and Eastern philosophies,” Balliett said. “While working, I prefer quiet and solitude. Meditation has become an important part of my work: I clear my mind before beginning to work, and the act of making the work is itself meditative.”

“Untitled #1,” oil on canvas, by Charles Hollinger

Charles H. Hollinger, of Washington, Connecticut, is an avid outdoorsman whose love of surf fishing has inspired him to capture light in his paintings and drawings across the full spectrum that he has experienced while pursuing his sport during prime fishing hours at dawn, dusk and late evening. “This practice has given me the opportunity to see some of the most awe-inspiring sunups, sundowns and all the hours of light preceding them,” he said. “I try to bring forth my understanding and, more importantly, my love of light through the relationship of warm versus cool colors, light versus shadow, and contrasting shapes.” A graduate of St. Lawrence University, Hollinger paints in oils on canvas and board with smooth brush strokes, using atmospheric perspective and muted colors to draw viewers into a motionless and tranquil landscape. Recently his artistic exploration has expanded to works with graphite on paper.

“Forging Light,” mixed media, by Lauren Reeves

Lauren Elise Reeves, of Orange, is an illustrator whose works convey narrative and purpose, inspired by her childhood experiences with family pets and other animals in the rural Woodridge area where she grew up. A graduate of Andrews University, Reeves’ digitally crafted style reflects her interests in computing and gaming as well as science fiction and fantasy. Her thesis exhibition includes a series of portraits of shelter dogs that she has personally come to know, accompanied by written narratives that complement her artistic portrayals of her subjects’ experiences before and after their rescue. Reeves also will show selections from her “light bulb project,” a series of illustrations of squirrels and the unique ways in which each brings light into the world. “My art work is driven by the idea that we each have a chance to make the world a better place, if we simply believe in the light we carry inside ourselves,” she said. “All it takes is one person’s decision to make a difference.” Reeves also works at the Raven’s Lantern in book publication areas including cover design, illustration, layout and production.

For more information, contact the Department of Art at (203) 837-8403, the Art Gallery at (203) 837-8889, or the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

 

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