Open studio introduces students to artwork

By Gary Hermann

The UK Department of Art opened its doors to the public Friday to display the students’ works from this semester.

Reynolds Building No. 1 housed the events, which included art exhibits, food and drinks, music from WRFL and several demonstrations by students and teachers. Many works at the Open Studio were for sale.

“This is one of the best I’ve seen,” art studio senior Kevin Harris said. “It’s a lot more interactive.”

Harris was one of several students who set up and drew portraits of the event’s attendees.

“It’s kind of nerve racking,” Harris said, “but it’s nice to people’s reactions.”

Printmaking and Drawing teacher Derrick Riley said he always enjoys the Open Studio.

“I’m here all semester long,” Riley said. “It’s nice to see new people with fresh perspectives.”

Riley made relief prints during the event.

He showed the process of taking a block of plywood and drawing everything out how he wants it to look.  After that he carves out the print itself to make what he described as a “big rubber stamp.”

Sophomore art studio student Alix Harrison and art studio junior Ming Hong used the space available to create what many considered an event highlight.

They began working in shifts on their project nine months ago. They collected boxes to “build a false floor and ceiling.” The finished product felt like an artistic maze and included a useable staircase made of cardboard boxes.

The project was designed to show the relationship of space, Hong said.

Art studio senior Will Doerting considered the event a success and was impressed by the good crowd turnout.

Engineering freshman Jimmy Braden is admittedly not an art enthusiast. However, he found the exhibits exceptional.

“It was cool to see how the art students work and how they define themselves by their work,” Braden said.

Sculpture graduate student Melissa Van Sandt noted the intimate feel of this year’s Open Studio.

“There were more ways for the public to go into the individual studios,” said Van Sandt. “It’s something people are never able to see.”