The University of North Alabama Department of Visual Arts and Design debuted its biennial Faculty Showcase Exhibit on Feb. 7 with presentations from Professor Chiong-Yiao Chen and Department Chair Aaron Benson. The exhibit features the research and artwork of several faculty members in the VAD department and will be on display until March 6.
Many pieces in various media are displayed at the Elaine Bailey Augustine Art Gallery to inspire Art and Design students and connect students to their instructors.
“It shows that we continue to keep up with our profession,” said Chen, explaining the importance of exhibition to the visual arts.
The showcase also encourages VAD faculty members to continue practicing and honing their creative skills, according to Benson.
“It’s kind of nice,” said Benson, who displayed several of his own pieces in the exhibit. “Every two years we’re going to get to highlight our work.”
Benson also stated the importance of the exhibition in building community within the department. He said it helps bridge the gap between the specializations of the department.
“I loved getting to see what the Interior Architecture faculty were doing, and the fashion [faculty],” he said. He also spoke on the importance of the showcase in encouraging VAD students to pursue their own artistic research and develop their own personal art styles.
The showcase plays an important role in connecting the VAD department to the students and faculty throughout the rest of UNA’s campus.
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“Every once in a while, I’ll hear the phrase, ‘I didn’t know we had a ceramics class on campus,’ and it still shocks me.” Benson said. He stated that many people are unaware of the work being done in the VAD Department and the showcase is an opportunity to display those artworks for all of the campus to see.
“We want to share the excitement that’s going on in our department,” Benson said. “We’ve got great faculty, and they’re doing phenomenal research. Let us show you what they’re doing.”
Students and faculty members attended the exhibit’s opening on Feb. 7 and had positive responses to the works on display.
“I enjoy being able to see some of the work,” said Coven Dickey, an alumna of VAD program who attended the event. “I especially enjoy being able to see some of the professors show up and kind of interact with it.”
“I think it’s important for all [students] just because we want to see our community be active,” Dickey said. She continued to say that VAD faculty have a unique opportunity to display their research in a way that faculty from other departments may not be able to.