Studio art BFA capstone exhibition explores motherhood, environment, sovereignty and more

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu

The Oklahoma State University “Studio Art BFA Capstone Exhibition” opened at the Gardiner Gallery of Art on Feb. 26, with pieces from 11 graduating seniors.

The featured artwork of Lillian Cordes, Jessica Crow, Grayson Davis, Andrew Avartanian, Becca Kendrick, Althea Lackey, Bayley Ross, Jalon Taylor, Jessi Sands, Autum Tanner and Nicholas Naple represents their years at OSU experimenting, developing and refining a distinct body of work that demonstrates their artistic growth.

“This thesis exhibition is a rite of passage for our BFA studio art majors,” said Molly Kaderka, OSU assistant professor of oil painting. “The show is a culmination of what they have learned and demonstrates how their ideas have developed over their time in OSU’s studio arts department. This is just the beginning of their careers as artists and creative people in the world.”

The students’ work showcases various areas of the studio art field, including painting, sculpture, photography and printmaking. It focuses on topics that range from the human body and motherhood to causes like environmental justice, Native American sovereignty and women’s rights.

“The level of growth in the students’ studio practice that takes place over the course of four short years is always nothing short of amazing,” said Chris Whittey, head of the Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History. “Most come to the department with not much in the way of formal training in their craft, so the work in the capstone show is a result of determination, utter perseverance and sheer dedication. In addition to the art knowledge that they acquire here, they take these traits away with them as well.”

"The Studio Art BFA Capstone Exhibition” is on view through Friday, March 15, and is free to the public. The Gardiner Gallery of Art is located inside the Bartlett Center on OSU’s Stillwater campus. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturdays by appointment.

A reception for the exhibition will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 29, with brief artist talks beginning at 6 p.m. 

For more information on this exhibition and related programming — or to subscribe to the Gardiner email list — visit the gallery’s website or email gardinergallery@okstate.edu.