Annual senior exhibition highlights student work

An exhibition of works by nine graduating studio art majors will open with a reception in the upper gallery of the Museum of Art Friday, April 3, at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

The thesis exhibit Annual Senior Exhibition represents the culmination of years of work for studio art majors and allows individual students the opportunity to explore a particular theme, medium or style. This year’s exhibit includes works ranging from figurative drawings and paintings to botanical prints and industrial sculpture.

Under the direction of Robert Feintuch, a New York artist and member of the Bates art faculty, the following students will display their work: Gabriel Bach of Westport, Conn.; Kristen Connolly of Merrimack, N.H.; Robert Curtis of Laconia, N.H.; Jessica Klein of Montpelier, Vt.; Audrey Lucas of Abingdon, Md.; Susan Lamprey of Wayland, Mass.; Richard Papa Jr. of Bryn Mawr, Pa.; Jason Tamthai of Nontaburi, Thailand; and Joanna Werne of Norfolk, Conn.

In common with almost every Bates senior, studio art majors must complete a semester-long project as a thesis. Unlike most others, their efforts are put on public display. One of the exhibiting artists, Audrey Lucas, describes the importance of the exhibition: “Knowing my work is going to be seen by everyone makes the whole project very serious and me more critical of my technique. I’m very conscious of pushing myself harder.”

The lower gallery of the museum will continue to display The Museum’s Permanent Collection Highlights. The exhibits will remain on view until May 24. Regular hours at the Museum of Art are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, with additional hours often scheduled on the evening of concerts and other special events at the Olin Arts Center on Russell St. The galleries are closed Mondays, major holidays and during the installation of exhibitions. Admission is free.

More information is available by calling the museum at 207-786-6158.