Spring Art Show Offers a Variety of Colorful and Artistic Works by UMO Students

MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive (UMO) Department of Visual Arts will host its spring Art Show reception on Thursday, April 19 from 4 to 6 PM. The event is free and open to the public.

The Show will display student work representing the three major disciplines of the Department of Visual Arts –  Art, Photography, and Graphic Design. The work of senior art majors Cecili Ward and Adam O’Malley will be featured in the Teresa Pelt Grubbs Gallery in Laughinghouse Hall.

Adam O’Malley, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, works with acrylic, watercolor, and airbrush to create projects that are dreamlike and even nightmarish, which might shock and amuse viewers. They reflect satirical and dark imagery.

Smithfield resident Cecili Ward’s work is influenced by her love of Asian art, which is seen in her use of color and the integration of the Koi fish. Her work is flowing and colorful, especially in her use of watercolor.

Chair of the Department of Visual Arts Bob Murray said, “The student work displayed in the annual spring show represents a journey in skill development and a progression in personal aesthetics. For some the journey is just beginning and for some the first phase of their journey is drawing to a close. Hopefully the journey will continue as our graduates go on to use their creativity in whatever the future brings.”

The art will remain up until mid-May. For additional information, contact Bob Murray at rmurray@umo.edu.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College.  For more information, visit www.umo.edu.