12/03/13
"Studio 653," an exhibition of works by Fort Hays State University's studio art majors, will open with the Winter Gallery Walk on Friday, Dec. 6, in the Moss-Thorns Gallery of Art, Rarick Hall, room 102.

Student artists and their instructor will host a reception at Moss-Thorns from 7 to 9 p.m.

In the Bachelor of Fine Arts program, the culminating experience course for the students is ART 653, Professional Development/Studio Art. The purpose of the course is to help prepare the studio art graduate for life in the arts after graduation.

In a previous year, the class and its instructor hit upon the idea of adapting the course number to become part of the actual title of the exhibition. "Studio 653" has a contemporary feel and implies a real-world exhibition venue.

Students produce every aspect of the venture, with the oversight and aid of the instructor. From deciding how many pieces to exhibit, how to afford hiring musicians for live entertainment, to figuring out a menu and beverage for the opening reception.

The exhibition includes painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, drawing and multimedia artwork.

One unique and exciting addition is a video of each of the class members working on their art, done up in a black and white silent film appearance. It will be projected on a wall of the gallery at the opening reception, with the hope that it capsulizes the diversity of disciplines and is also a worthy creative stand-alone effort.