Eleven Athens State University seniors invite guests to ‘LOOK’ through visual art pieces exploring grief, spirituality, fantasy and introspection.

Opening Friday, April 27 at 8 am in the first-floor gallery of The Alabama Center for the Arts in Decatur, LOOK is the bi-annual showcase of Athens State’s art and graphic design seniors. The exhibit will be available for public viewing between April 27 – May 17, with a special closing reception featuring refreshments and live music by Blue Velvet during the Third Friday Downtown event on May 18.

This spring, works from a wide range of media will be on display, including ceramics, paintings, printmaking, drawings, graphic design and fabric art. With eight pieces from each student, the show features a variety of art styles and mediums.

“I always find it interesting each semester to see the overarching themes each student explores in their body of work and how those come to fruition in new and exciting ways in varied media,” said faculty show organizer, Dr. Mary Beth Johns. “The students’ investigations of topics and technical skill during their time at Athens State University are reflected in these works of art, and it is my desire to help them present that work in the best way possible for the public to enjoy their accomplishments.”

The class, made up of students from a wide variety of backgrounds, explores a wide range of themes. April Carswell of Huntsville said her body of work reflects different aspects of hope by focusing on color, movement, and texture; while Jessica T. Charlton of Madison explained her digital paintings have helped her discover a sense of self while exploring her relationship with art.

Athens native, Rebecca Croomes, said that her prints dive into her personal experiences with religion and how it relates to her home and heritage in Limestone County. Rachel Matthews, based in Huntsville, has a body of work that highlights different genres of fantasy and how these fantasies provide escapism from daily life.

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Athens State University was founded in 1822, making it the oldest continuously-operated institute of higher learning in the state of Alabama. Offering over 50 undergraduate majors and degree options in addition to graduate programs, Athens State focuses on providing affordable, flexible, and high-quality options for all learners.