Gaby Suazo
Senior Ada Bean describing her pieces, processes, and intentions.
Art, ranging from ceramics to printmaking, vocalizes a universal language that can be understood by anyone and everyone. Showcasing this ability and speaking this language of global understanding and engagement, can look different depending on the artist. Annually, the IB art seniors demonstrate this skill through an exhibition. This year’s ten artists showcased their work at the Blue Pig Gallery on April 18th.
Each artist created eight to ten pieces of all mediums including ceramics, printmaking, collage, painting, and photography. Considering the condensed amount of individual space, the students creatively formatted their pieces, utilizing every wall, corner, or window available. Senior Rowan Ferguson says, “We did a good job in terms of organizing spaces to work with everybody’s art.” Ferguson’s exhibition was elaborate and aesthetically pleasing, demonstrating his impressive craftsmanship and skill. His favorite piece was a little white teapot, adorned with a hand painted design and wooden handle, a special tribute to his Chilean heritage. Cultural connections were prominent throughout Ferguson’s pieces, with Spanish titles and photos taken in Chile. Ferguson won Best in Show, a high honor that is certainly deserved. Vern Moshure, ceramic artist and previous CMU professor, personally chose Ferguson for this award due to his “coherent body of work, ability to talk about it well, and overall craftsmanship.”
IB Art teacher Lori Raper explains, “In IB, they have to have depth and breadth. We practice breadth through their Process Portfolio and experimentation during their junior year. The depth is in their shows, including their craftsmanship, development of skills, and refinement of process. This group really demonstrated this, from their first to their last piece. There is a huge change in depth of their work and abilities.” Raper reflects fondly on Ferguson’s growth, “If you look at his early pieces from two years ago to where he is now, there’s a huge change.”
Visitors attended a reception that allowed them to view the pieces, up close and personal. Ferguson coins the highlight as “being able to connect with old friends and elementary school teachers.” The turnout was wonderful and intricately reinforced the importance of art in a community.
Senior Sofia Reitz acknowledges, “Prior to IB, I only focused on ceramics. However, progressing through IB Art has allowed me to explore various avenues and expand my knowledge, specifically in printmaking, which has become my new favorite medium.” Reitz’s favorite piece was a small vase, titled after her mom’s hometown, Belém in the Amazon. “I resonate with it the most and put the most work into it,” adds Reitz.
Showcasing student art contributes to the richness and diversity of the community. Raper expresses, “This was one of my top two or three exhibitions. They did a really good job at tying it all together, finishing and presenting their work.” Creating art is a vehicle that drives vulnerability, allowing students to express their feelings through physical mediums. Although this was a difficult task, the IB artists managed to prove their mastery and fluency of this universal language at their exhibition.