From Oct. 3 to Oct. 15, Hardin-Simmons University’s department of art hosted its annual Alumni Art Show. HSU alumni had the opportunity to showcase select pieces of their art at the Frost Center for the Visual Arts, talk about their artistic journeys so far and answer questions that members at the reception had for them.
Fourteen HSU alumni had the opportunity to be directly involved in homecoming through participation in the art showcase. The showcase took place at the Ira M. Taylor Memorial Gallery in the Frost Center.
About two weeks prior to the reception, the alumni’s artwork being showcased had been open to members of the public who wanted to just view the art. At the reception however, the artists were present, giving guests and students the opportunity to discuss the artwork that was on display. The artists shared what their inspiration was for certain pieces, what point in their life they made those pieces and what their art meant to them.
After the artists spoke, the audience was given the opportunity to ask them questions, specifically where they thought they would be where they are now five years ago. Artists Leandria Thurman and Emilio Tolentino shared their responses.
Thurman said no. Five years after she started college, she thought she would be working in the art field and getting her master’s degree in creative writing, not counseling. “But God had something better for me,” said Thurman. Tolentino, a former Brand staff member, wanted to be a layout artist for newspapers and magazines. He now works in the field of education.
A majority of the artists did expect to be working on their master’s, but have found themselves teaching instead. Others wanted to teach but are currently moving in a different direction. All the artists, however, are grateful for how far they have come.