Bethel student showcase opens in the Regier Art Gallery
Bethel student showcase opens in the Regier Art Gallery
Student work is displayed in the annual student showcase which will be open until April 18.
Bethel College is gearing up for an exciting showcase of artistic talent as the student show, featuring a diverse range of artworks from students across various disciplines, opens up.
Among the featured artists is senior Philip Balzer, from Freeman, S.D., whose works reflect a deep appreciation for nature and the Impressionist style. Balzer shared insights into his artistic journey. He stated: "I'm very inspired by the Impressionists, like how they saw nature, and tried to get the feeling of like flowers or fields or whatever instead of like, the literal kind of a bit of a weird still life."
Balzer's pieces include an empty cornfield painting and a book arts creation. "I feel like in [Book Arts], in particular, it's really nice to see what other people are doing and there's kind of a nice interaction with some of my friends in that class,” said Balzer.
Another student featured in the show is junior Abigail Chappell Deckert from North Newton. Chappell Decker's passion for ceramics shines through her works, which are characterized by intricate slip decorations and a deep exploration of textures.
“Most of them are slipped decorated and sgraffito,” said Chappell Deckert. “That was kind of something that I was unfamiliar with. And I tried it a little bit my junior year and really liked it."
Decker's ceramics pieces showcase her proficiency in manipulating clay surfaces, enhanced by the unique capabilities of Bethel's salt kiln. "I really like that at Bethel,” said Chappell Deckert. “We have a salt kiln and so we're able to do a lot more with decorating.”
In addition to ceramics, Chappell Deckert also displays her photography, with a close-up figure study that emphasizes lighting and shadows.
"For me, photography was really challenging, I think because I was on a busy schedule in the fall and photography, like the creative process, was a lot more time-consuming than I expected it to be," she added.
The Student Show not only celebrates individual artistic achievements but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and learning among peers. Both Balzer and Chappell Deckert emphasized the importance of exploring creativity and pushing artistic boundaries.
Balzer encouraged aspiring artists to "just be creative" and "do art.” Chappell Deckert echoed this sentiment, expressing how ceramics taught her resilience and the ability to start anew after setbacks.
The exhibition will run in the Regier Art Gallery from April 1 to April 18, ending with a reception on April 18 at 11 a.m.