Thurs., Apr. 25 was the opening night of the senior art show titled Departure. At 5 p.m., students, faculty and visitors gathered in the Beard & Weil Galleries in Watson to see incredible pieces created by sixteen studio art majors. The gallery included sculptures, paintings, photographs and works in other creative media, making for a diverse collection that represented the originality of Wheaton students.

“I never cease to be amazed by the creativity of my peers,” said Emily Bryer ’15. The senior show has been the last show of Wheaton’s academic year for at least 30 years. “This is something the campus looks forward to,” said Michele L’Heureux, Gallery Director. “It gives the graduating studio art majors a chance to experience what it’s like to install and exhibit their work in a professional gallery.”

The seniors represented in the gallery include Christina Cannon, Elle Van Cott, Emma DeVito, Walker Downey, Samuel Fear, Stephanie Hoomis, Raquel Inwentash, Caroline Isaacs, Sophie Kilcoyne, Rose Liu, Amy Magaletti, Amira Pualwan, Tarryn Rourk, Nick Soo, Rachel Vergara and Zimbiri Dorji. The students work on the pieces in their Senior Seminar during their last semester at Wheaton, and their final project is a culmination of this work. “It is meant to be a substantial project that demonstrates their development as artists, their ability to create a body of work around a well thought-out theme and their proficiency in their chosen medium,” said L’Heureux.

The students not only get the chance to display their art, but also get the opportunity to learn how to design an exhibition. L’Heureux and the students set up the show together so they can discover the best way to present their artwork.

Sophie Kilcoyne ‘13, whose artwork, titled “Revelations,” was featured in the show this year, said, “Many of my fellow classmates were devoted to creating a meaningful body of work and I think it shows. I’m very proud to have been part of this group.” “Revelations,” an artistic collection of personal secrets and confessions from others, was widely admired: one person even offered to buy it. “My goal was really to get people thinking,” said Kilcoyne.

It is clear from the show that each student has a personal connection to their work, which makes Departure worth a visit. This year’s exhibit will remain on view until May 17, and will be open to visitors from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday