2004 BFA Thesis Exhibition Opens at Plymouth State

PLYMOUTH – Plymouth State University will celebrate the opening of the 2004 BFA Thesis Exhibition on Wednesday, April 23, with two receptions. The Studio Art reception will be held in the Karl Drerup Art Gallery from 4 to 6 p.m.; the Graphic Design reception will be held in the lobby of Silver Cultural Arts Center from 5 to 7 p.m. Both venues are located on Main Street in Plymouth.This annual event showcases the artistic achievements of graduating seniors enrolled in Plymouth State’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program. The works on view in the exhibition represents the culmination of a year spent developing a body of work surrounding a specific theme. Throughout the process, students work closely with faculty advisors who offer guidance and critique. Students participating in the exhibition include graphic designers Courtney Allgeyer from Gilmanton, N.H., Tara Bryson, from Plymouth, N.H., Jeremy Gibbs from Pembrooke, N.H., Matthew Kilroy from Chelmsford, MA, David Spies from Merrimack, N.H., Sara Stearns from Wentworth, N.H., Jacob Stevens from Jefferson, N.H., and Victoria Brenner from New Boston, N.H., painting; Debra Ciccone from Moultonboro, N.H., Drawing; Alexis Harlow from Tamworth, N.H., painting; Jessica Kopperl from Canterbury, N.H., painting; and Michael Timberlake from Conway, N.H., painting.”I have watched these students become confident and self reliant artists,” says Terry Downs, advisor for the BFA candidates in studio art. “They have become aware of their uniqueness and dedicate themselves to the making of art in a way that is from their inner spirit.””Art is the strongest force,” states Victoria Brenner, whose thesis is centered on batiking, an ancient method of decorating fabric using wax. “It is a universal language that is able to reach individuals with multifaceted levels of meaning. As long as artists are true to themselves and their expression, creative consciousness and awareness surge forth.”Jake Stevens says, “Doing my BFA thesis project is one of the best things I have done in my life. It’s an incredibly hands-on experience that has allowed me to flex the graphic design muscles that I have developed at Plymouth State over the past four years.” Stevens’ thesis project has been to create a promotional campaign for a fictional rock band called “Edge of Romance.”The BFA Thesis Exhibition will be on view at the Karl Drerup Art Gallery and Silver Cultural Arts Center April 21 to May 22, 2004. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. The gallery has extended hours on Wednesday until 8 p.m.The Silver Cultural Arts Center is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m. through 6 p.m., and weekends noon to 6 p.m. For more information, contact the Karl Drerup Gallery and Exhibitions Program at (603) 535-2614.