The De Pree Art Center and Gallery at Hope College will host its annual exhibition of work by graduating art majors from Friday, April 22, through Friday, May 6.
The featured seniors will present artist talks on Friday, April 22, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Cook Auditorium of the De Pree Art Center, with a reception following in the gallery.
The public is invited to the exhibition, talks and reception. Admission is free.
The show is the culmination of the students’ time at Hope. It will include the work of graduating seniors Bailey Ellens, Parker Johnson, Nadia Manko, Sofia Munoz, Katie Shantz, Kaylee Siebert and Jael Stilwell.
“The past four years have all led up to this moment,” Munoz said. “It’s intimidating to have such creative freedom, but I’m excited for us to be able to share our work.”
From ducks to miniature homes to body parts and more, the seniors showcase a wide variety of work in mediums including sculpture, painting, drawing, printmaking, animation and installation.
“I love seeing how different all of our work is,” Siebert said. “All of us have come so far in the past four years. Even within the past few months, we’ve all kept each other on our toes, never knowing what we’ll make next.”
The featured members of the Class of 2022 include six studio art majors and one art education major, and the exhibition reflects not only their individual collegiate careers but the impact of making their journeys together.
“I’m just so grateful for my fellow graduates,” Ellens said. “I couldn’t have made the work I have without these lovely people’s support. Now that it really is four years later, I can’t wait to see what’s next for all of us.”
Attendance to the exhibition is by appointment, and guests may register on the gallery’s website at hope.edu/depree
The De Pree Art Center and Gallery is located at 275 Columbia Ave., between 10th and 13th streets. The gallery is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.