Sherman, Texas – The Austin College Art and Art History Department opened their annual End-of-Year Art Show, a juried art exhibition showcasing work from over forty students. The exhibition will be on display in the Betsy Dennis Forster Art Complex, Dennis Gallery through May 23.  The exhibition is open for public viewing Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and by appointment.

Students whose work was selected for the exhibition are: Abbey Rennaker ’26, Alejandro Beracochea ’26, Alondra Menjivar ’28, Anysia Contreras ’29, Ashley Olmos ’27, Ashlynn Brothers ’28, Belen Torres ’27, Brenda Alvarez Lopez ’29, Bricen Blaske ’29, Cameron McIver ’29, Carys Blaney ’28, Chris Salyer ’28, Colin McFarland ’26, David Castro ’28, Elizabeth Jacobs ’26, Emily Autrey ’28, Faiza Mubarak ’29, Giordana Calderin ’28, Grace Downing ’27, Jameson McLeod ’29, Jesse Contreras ’29, Kaitlyn McKee ’26, Kamira Ealy ’29, Kieran McFarland ’29, Lauren Johnston ’28, Lazlo Ledezma ’29, Lexi Pietrasik ’27, Leyna Pham ’27, Lily Dashner ’26, Lily Ruiz ’29, Madison Davis ’27, Matti Martinez ’27, Megan Dibello ’27, Merrilee Gallagher ’29, Mikayla Perkins ’26, Norah Robinson ’28, Oli Nehring ’29, Patrick Bassett ’29, Sami Hautzinger ’28, Strey DuBose ’26, Vernon Ng ’26, Yakari Brown ’26, and Zara Shah ’28.

Assistant Professor of Art Brianna Burnett commented on the high quality of this year’s student work, saying, "This year's student exhibit showcases some excellent work from across the department.  Whether it’s drawings, photos, sculptures, prints, paintings—it's impressive to see our students excelling in every medium we teach.” 

A reception was held on Thursday, May 14, at which the Jane Nelson Materials Awards for outstanding work were presented to the following students in the first, second, and third distinction tiers:

First Distinction:

• Norah Robinson ’28
• Grace Downing ’27
• Belen Torres ’27

Second Distinction:

• Alondra Menjivar ’28
• Chris Salyer ’28

Third Distinction:

• Faiza Mubarak ’29
• Cameron McIver ’29
• Kamira Ealy ’29

“The Art and Art History department is pleased to present these awards to these outstanding students,” said Chair of the Art and Art History Department Dr. Jeffrey Fontana. Fontana went on to explain that the Nelson Materials Award is a monetary prize, intended to support outstanding art students by helping them purchase the art materials they need to continue their work next year.

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.