Seniors unite for final gallery

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery has been set up not with artists from afar this month, but rather with Augustana's own art masters for the annual Augustana Senior Art Show.

The show, entitled ''Unity of Time and Space,'' reflects how seniors Adam Goodge, Kathy Haag, Kari Newton, Brian Iverson, Jamie Horter, Jamilyn Vavreck and Audrey Stommes have grown and changed artistically.

''The art in the gallery is truly a representation of what can be realized by a community of artists,'' Haag said.

The show also marks the graduation of the first art students to work in the newly constructed Center for Visual Arts.

''My art experience at Augustana began freshman year for me when I decided I wanted to be an art major,'' Goodge said. ''It was exciting to see the new facility and know that we would be the first class to use it ever. I took as many varying art classes as I could to discover the medium that suited me best.''

The show reflects the breadth of art classes offered at Augustana and contains everything from photography to pottery to installation pieces.

''I have learned so much at Augustana,'' Iverson said. ''Starting here I thought I could draw well, but I quickly learned I was only at the entry level.''

Goodge used screen-printing processes to create caricatures and cartoons that convey messages of morality.

''My artwork reflects a side of me that most people don't get to see,'' Goodge said. '' I hide a great deal of political and social critiques in my pieces.''

Newton's work reflects the studies she has taken in photography as well as her work with the human anatomy and form.

''I can finally say that I am beginning to understand myself as an artist,'' Newton said. ''I broke through some serious walls and have overcome obstacles that have changed my life far beyond art. It is only now that I think I am really beginning to grow.''

The seniors' plans for after graduation are as diverse as their art. Iverson plans to search for jobs in graphic design and web development, and Haag is hoping to land a position as an art teacher.

''I want to provide the kind of environment needed to allow students to create,'' Haag said. ''I also plan to continue to make art, to further show my students how important the creative process is.''

Newton has received an internship with local graphic design firm, Revolutionary Design, and would like to find a career that merges her love of photography with design.

''The sky is the limit, and I look forward to moving out of South Dakota and keeping myself immersed in the art world,'' Newton said.

One thing that they will all take with them, though, is the valuable lessons they have learned at Augustana.

''My art experience at Augustana has been nothing short of amazing,'' Iverson said. ''The professors are very in touch with the students. They let you find your own voice and express it.''

''My education at Augustana has always been artistically driven, so when I look back at where I started at, the knowledge I have obtained is priceless,'' Newton said. ''I truly feel like I am leaving this school as a well-rounded artist and person.''

The exhibition will be on display in the Eide/Dalrymple gallery now through May 23.