KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 7, 2020

Graduating seniors display artworks online

Kennesaw State University School of Art and Design seniors typically have a capstone art exhibition in the Fine Arts Gallery, complete with an opening reception catered by the students. Friends and family are invited into the gallery to view the artwork on this special evening. This spring, because of COVID-19 and the move to online learning, the seniors are instead hosting their capstone exhibitions online. While they may miss the in-person adulation and the accompanying finger foods and sweet treats, the students are optimistic that they may actually reach more people via the internet.  

One of the classes, ART 4990: Senior Art Seminar and Exhibition, is a graduating senior capstone course that focuses on the development of a professional graduation exhibition, resume and professional portfolios, and the exhibition pieces demonstrate work that represents both an individual style and a high level of conceptual ability and professionalism. Professor Robert Sherer teaches ART 4990 and said, “When we all decided that we were going to go forth with this virtual exhibition and we presented the idea to students, they were actually very excited by the prospect of it, because, in student terms, they felt they could promote it to a wider audience. Of course, they are quite social media savvy; they know what they are doing, and they were quite jubilant about the prospect of it all. We’ve had very favorable comments about the change in modality.”

The process to go virtual was fairly straightforward once the decision was made. Students uploaded their artwork and descriptions, as well as their resume, bio, and artist statement. The artwork was then featured on the website as a virtual exhibition, with the ability to share the link on multiple social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

Professor Craig Brasco teaches ART 4980: Senior Portfolio and Applied Project. A graduating senior capstone course as well, the class focuses on developing a professional portfolio showcasing work designed for various platforms. Students in ART 4980 will see their virtual exhibition up the third week in April, dovetailing perfectly with the original exhibition date. Prof. Brasco said, “This was a natural move to take the capstone exhibitions online, and we are pleased that our student artwork will still be shared with the public, even though we were not able to exhibit their work physically.”