Visual Art students showcase talent at Hickory Museum of Art

Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Advanced Studio Practices students recently had the unique opportunity to exhibit their work at the Hickory Museum of Art, as part of an exhibition titled “The Art of Profession.” This collaborative effort with local community colleges, including Caldwell Community College and Catawba Valley Community College, was designed to highlight creativity and the artistic process among college-age students.

Claire Pope, M.A., MFA, assistant art professor, visual art program coordinator and the instructor for the Advanced Studio Practices class, emphasized the significance of this experience. “It’s rare to have a museum show early in an artist’s career. This platform allows students to express their unique visual voices to a broader audience,” she shared. The class, which serves as a culmination of the students’ academic journey, encourages them to integrate their studio skills with liberal arts interests, creating cohesive portfolios that reflect their personal and artistic growth.

The four art majors whose work was featured in the exhibit – Meredith Cecil, Connie Dale, Vivien Becker Peralta, and Tishara Sneed – will graduate in May 2025.

Sneed showcased a series of ceramic masks inspired by her Cherokee heritage. “At home, these masks are traditionally carved from wood, but I work with clay,” Sneed explained. Her work draws inspiration from Cherokee artists and incorporates traditional pottery designs, such as the Medicine Man mask adorned with symbolic motifs. Her favorite piece, Stickball Mask, is an original design that reflects her cultural roots and creative ingenuity.

The process of preparing for the exhibition was both challenging and rewarding. “Painting the background for one of my designs took about a month and a half,” Sneed recalled. Despite the challenges, the collaborative environment of the Advanced Studio Practices class, with its regular critiques and peer feedback, provided invaluable support.

Beyond the technical aspects, this exhibition holds deep personal significance for Sneed. As vice president of the Native American Student Association and president of the Art Club at LR, she is passionate about sharing her culture through art. One of her upcoming pieces will address the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, symbolized by a red handprint over the mouth. “I want to show people that we’re still here, living and thriving, and to raise awareness about important issues within our community,” she stated.

This exhibition not only highlights the talent within LR’s Visual Art program but also underscores the university’s commitment to providing students with platforms to showcase their work and develop professionally. As Pope noted, “It’s about helping students realize who they are as artists and supporting them as they evolve.”