Gallery 130 Showcases Ole Miss Seniors Artwork

Gallery 130, at Meek Hall on the Ole Miss campus, will feature thesis works by graduating seniors in the BFA Studio Art program throughout the month of April.

The gallery’s first thesis show featured intricate self portraits by Heidi Bain, illuminated flowers by Sarah Hammond and enchanting bath bombs by Alice Connolly. The packed reception was held Thursday, April 14 from 4 – 6 p.m., and gave family, friends and classmates the chance to gather and enjoy the young artists’ work, as well as the chance for the artists to see each other’s handwork on display.

“We’re so happy to be matched together, this is the most ideal outcome,” Connolly said of the colorful arrangement the three artists’ work cohesively portrays in the gallery.

Overwhelmed by the amount of people in attendance, Bain said she felt more than thankful for everyone who showed their appreciation.

“Art is a lot about a team. A lot of people are there supporting you every step of the way,” Bain said. “Honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to do this without half the people here.”

The three Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) exhibitions seemed to be vastly different themes from one another; however, all three women created artwork that signified growth and experience.

Heidi Bain’s imaginative self portraits portrayed a colorful narrative of the artist’s own life.

“The portraits of me tell a coming-of-age story, going from being a girl to a woman,” Bain said. “I used my own face and image to channel these themes, and in every piece, I wanted each experience of growing up to have its own little world.”

The lively depictions each symbolize a differential life experience, but are unified by Bain using herself as a constant and her unique artistic style.

Alice Connolly’s grand paintings of blooming flowers represent a shed of light among darkness.

“I played a lot with the lighting on the flowers to signify reemergence, hope and renewal through life’s many obstacles,” Connolly said of her awe-inspiring paintings.

Arranged in a well-lit corner with a decorated bathtub full of flowers lies a colorful display and demonstration of graphic designer Sarah Hammond’s bath bombs.

“It’s so cool to see people interacting with the products and getting excited about them,” Hammond said of her Lush and Bath and Body Works inspired bath balls. “I wanted to create a sensory experience for people, welcoming positive vibes into their day, in the bath with flowers and fragrance.”

The 200 or more bath bombs designed and made by Hammond are currently being sold through the Department of Art and Art History’s front office.

Hammond said she will likely keep making the bath balls in the future, and after accepting a graphic design internship with Disney, she hopes to design and build more sensory products.

Connolly said she has narrowed her graduate school options, but is still deciding between art programs in Florence, Italy, and New York City.

Bain said she plans to move back home to New Orleans and consider graduate school. She said, “I’m just going to go home and paint.”

The week of April 18 – 22 will feature the artwork of Sarah Adzick, Hunter Johnson and Paige Shryock. The third and final week of thesis exhibitions (April 25 – 29) will feature the works of Taylor Mauer, Avery Cordray and Camille Hunt.

Contact the artists through the Department of Art and Art History.

Cecily Lane is a senior print journalism major at The Meek School of Journalism and New Media. She can be reached at clane@go.olemiss.edu.