“LOOK,” Athens State University’s bi-annual showcase of its studio art, art education, and graphic design seniors, is set to open on Wednesday, November 7 at the Alabama Center for the Arts. This semester’s show will feature three seniors whose work focuses on the exploration of unique human relationships with nature, the environment, and environmentalist action through a wide variety of media including photography, drawings, graphic design and mixed media. “LOOK” will be on display through Friday, November 23 with an opening reception on Thursday, November 8 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. The Athenian Players’ opening night performance of “Hamlet” will occur immediately following the reception in the Studio Theatre of the venue.

“I always find it interesting each semester to see the overarching themes each student explores in their body of work and how those come to fruition in new and exciting ways in varied media,” said faculty show organizer, Dr. Mary Beth Johns. “The student’s investigations of topics and technical skill during their time at Athens State are reflected in these works of art, and it is my desire to help them present that work in the best way possible for the public to enjoy their accomplishments.”

The featured students come from a variety of backgrounds and their work explores a wide range of themes. Laura Smith of Eva, Alabama takes natural and man-made items, both large and small, and turns them into iconic subject matter for her photographs. Laura is double majoring in Computer Graphics and Studio Arts with a minor in Marketing.

Ben Webster of Huntsville, Alabama is a graduating senior majoring in Computer Graphics with a minor in Marketing. Ben is inspired by the innocent nature of animals and what we need to do to preserve their rightful place in the natural world.

Phillippia Fuqua of Madison, Alabama is a senior majoring in Art Education with a minor in Educational Technology. Phillippia’s work expresses the relationship between humans and nature. Her work shows how humans have attempted to harness or exploit nature, while also showing the awe-inspiring beauty found in nature.

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Athens State University was founded in 1822, making it the oldest continuously-operated institute of higher learning in the state of Alabama. Offering over 50 undergraduate majors and degree options in addition to graduate programs, Athens State focuses on providing affordable, flexible, and high-quality options for all learners.