Graduating seniors of Mississippi University for Women’s Department of Art and Design are hosting the 2017 BFA Exhibition “REFIINED” in the Eugenia Summer Gallery. This is the second of a two-part exhibition, running through Saturday, May 13. The reception, open to the public, is Friday from 6-8 p.m. in Summer Hall.
Ten seniors receiving Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees chose to split into two exhibitions in order to better highlight each individual’s work. “REFIINED” features work by five seniors: Mollie Crocker of Winona; Morgan Jetton of Nettleton; Rachael Ward of Northport, Alabama; Quincy Hughes of St. Louis, Missouri; and Jordan Langford of Nettleton/Amory. All are receiving a BFA in graphic design, except Hughes, whose focus is art education.
The exhibitors
After graduation, Crocker hopes to start as a junior graphic designer before advancing to art director for a company or design firm.
“I grew up knowing that I could do anything just as long as I worked hard, had faith and pushed the limits, and I apply that knowledge of artists that I have learned about at The W like Banksy, Andy Warhol and other amazing artists … ”
Jetton attended Itawamba Community College before transferring to The W. Her awards include the Award of Excellence in the 2016 MCAC competition. After graduation she plans to pursue a master’s degree and hopes to one day teach.
“I was always interested in art, and if it’s up to me it will always be something I hold most dear to me,” she said. “It was my way of expression not only through the joyful times but a way to get through the rough and unbearable ones also.”
Ward received an associate degree in art from Shelton State Community College before attending The W. She has exhibited in juried shows in Alabama and Mississippi, receiving a number of art scholarships and awards. She plans to pursue her master’s degree and hopes to teach.
At MUW, Ward has studied more conceptual works and ways of thinking. “Since being at The W, I have been further immersed in conceptualism, exploration and production,” she said.
Hughes, formerly of West Point, was initially inspired and encouraged by his family to create art, winning several design contests and placing first and second in the West Point Prairie Arts Festival. He said, “My approach to art is always shifting, expanding throughout my process and revealing opportunities for new content.
Langford earned an associate degree of fine arts at Itawamba Community College before continuing at The W. She has exhibited at the university’s spring 2015 and 2016 Student Juried Shows and in the 2017 Mississippi Collegiate Show.
She said, “This exhibition is going to be very diverse and exciting. We have all worked very hard, and I am very excited to see everyone showcase that hard work.”
Most of the exhibited artwork will be available for purchase.
The Eugenia Summer Gallery is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, located in Summer Hall on the southwest corner of campus, between Stark Recreation Center and Fant Library. The gallery is often able to extend viewing hours.
For more information, call 662-329-7341 or 662-329-7291, or email [email protected].
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