Six Jones College students were recognized for their artwork at the Sophomore Art Reception on Tuesday, April 15, and two were recognized by the Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Association’s statewide student art show held at Itawamba Community College.
The pieces of Zykeria Coleman, Zoe Estacio, Alyssa Mosely, Gracie Nichols, Jordan Parker and Lillian Barnett are on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery, located in the Visual Arts Center.
Recognized at the statewide student art show was work from Barnett and Parker. Barnett’s artwork “Worn Out,” an oil painting of a worn out scooter in the corner was recognized with an honorable mention. This artwork was primarily inspired by her dad’s repair shop. According to Barnett, several of her other exhibited artwork was inspired by items in her house, depicting them as mementos.
“The yard I used to play on as a kid,” said Barnett. “The kitchen table where there’s been many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, even the tractor that I accidentally got stuck on when I was a kid, these paintings mean so much to me because they all hold so many memories. I hope they make everyone else as happy as they make me.”
Parker won first place for printmaking. Her piece reutilized 1950s design style to reimagine an advertisement for a live concert by her favorite musicians, Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak.
“I really love having my artwork where other people can see it,” said Parker. “I enjoy hearing what people think about it. I think it is important for artists to hear the opinions of other people. Opinions and experience help build and shape artists into who they want to be.”
Throughout this Parker gained experience as she learned to mat and prepare her own art works to be hung. The exhibit allows students to experience displaying artwork inside a gallery. Peers, family members and universities also come to look at pieces, simulating visitors at a gallery.
Students who participate in the sophomore art show chose art pieces that were completed in class during their two years at Jones College, exhibiting the cumulation of skills learned, which include originality, composition, color choices and other elements.
“Look around at all these paintings. It represents how they’ve spent their time for the last two years. That kind of gives you a different sort of appreciation,” said art instructor Melanie Eubanks. “Young artists have a lot to say. It’s important for posterity because the older artists won’t be around, and somebody’s got to carry the torch.”
Students’ artwork will be on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Gallery through May 2. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Gallery visits on Friday are by appointment. To set up an appointment or for questions about the art program, contact Melanie Eubanks at melanie.eubanks@jcjc.edu.
by Destiny Velasco
