Central Holds Annual Art Exhibition

Written by Amy Goering, Art Instructor

McPherson, Kansas – Exploring creativity proved to be a therapeutic outlet during this 2020-21 school year. Although some art students found themselves in quarantine with limited supplies or equipment or connecting via ZOOM for help on projects, Central’s students and faculty managed to make it work. On April 8th a celebration of their hard work and creativity was held with the Annual Central Christian College of Kansas (CCCK) Art Exhibition in Briner Library. The art show featured paintings in oil and acrylic, drawings in various media, stained glass, ceramics, and digital artwork.

One artist was chosen from each category for recognition; CCCK’s Executive Administrator, Hannah Litwiller (CC ’11) assisted in the jurying. It was a challenge choosing the winners, as there were certainly multiple pieces worthy of honor and recognition. Qualities that were observed during the jurying process include creativity, design, draftsmanship, and technique/handling of the medium.

The following artists deserve special congratulations:

Drawing – Goldie Jones

Goldie completed “Seraphim” in colored pencil. This piece stands out for its nod to Renaissance style, its complex subject matter, the design of anatomy, beautiful handling of the media in color choices and technique, and the overall design.

Painting – Kassidy Khamvongsa

“His Home” was completed in oil on a gessoed board. It exhibits strong value contrast and atmospheric perspective. Textures, edges, and color all have variety. The piece was beautifully executed; it invites the viewer to enjoy the scene while wondering of the title meaning.

Stained Glass – Juan Adrian Lopez (also People’s Choice Award)

Adrian’s “Curve” piece exemplifies the quality of technique. This can be seen in the clean, even solder beads and the correctly-cut and -fitted glass. The design is evident in the colors that he chose and the careful placement of glass and wire to make the stained glass both stable in its integrity and interesting to look at.

Ceramics – Kassidy Forsberg

Kassidy’s “Mickey Mouse” is beautifully done. Details like his suspender buttons and the precise glaze placement lend it to be an endearing and captivating piece of artwork.

Digital – Maria Cabello

Maria’s poster design is clean, tasteful, interesting, and creative. It holds the viewer’s attention and interests them in the event. This example of graphic design was completed in Photoshop, where she edited and combined multiple images.

Students worthy of honorable mention are Brett Jelinek for drawing, Nicolas Mitchell for painting, Annika Reiss for ceramics, and Ismael Valverde Kardouchi for digital.

Art Instructor Amy Goering was very pleased with the outcome of her students’ work, saying,

As their art instructor, I am so proud of these students for their hard work. I’m also proud of their bravery in sharing their artwork with others. So many of these students had not taken an art class since childhood, yet found themselves in a college art course. I have had the privilege of challenging them, encouraging them and instructing them as they rediscover (or discover) their creativity. I know they are capable of great things. May God bless them as they further explore their individual gifts and the creative journey He has placed them on.

I would also like to especially thank Hannah Litwiller, Bev Kelley, Linda Linder, and Keragan Dix for their help with the art exhibition.

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS

Central Christian College of Kansas is a regionally accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Central strives to offer Christ-centered education for the whole person – heart, mind, soul, and strength. Its history dates back to 1884, and it is located in the friendly town of McPherson, Kansas. Central is a strategically small college that offers over forty areas of residential study and a thriving online program for non-traditional students. To learn more about who Central is go to centralchristian.edu/about.