SENIOR ART EXHIBITION OPENS AT SOUTHERN MISS

HATTIESBURG - After years of intensive study, training and lots of midnight oil, graduating seniors of the Department of Art at The University of Southern Mississippi will celebrate their academic achievements Dec. 4-16 with an exhibition of their works at the university's Museum of Art.

The show will feature works of 14 graduating visual art students. A reception opens the exhibit from 4-6 p.m. on Dec. 4 in the museum.

"We are very proud of all our graduates, both in graphic communications and fine arts," said associate professor of art DeAnna Douglas. "Their work in this exhibition demonstrates the level of professionalism that our students have attained."

A senior project involves the creation and defense of a substantial body of work. It is required of all students pursuing a bachelor of fine arts and an optional requirement for bachelor of arts students.

"Completing a senior project and exhibiting in the senior show are integral parts of our curriculum," said Jennifer Torres, chair of the Department of Art at Southern Miss. "The process is quite rigorous and not every student satisfies the requirements the first time. However, the faculty believes that successful completion of a senior project helps prepare our students for graduate study or to embark on a career in the visual arts."

Students featured in the exhibition include 10 graphic communications students: Traci Shamburger of Ocean Springs will exhibit a clothing-line launch; Scott Allen of Jackson will display a series of illustrations and designs; Jason Jenkins of Jackson will show a book illustrating the experiences of graphic design students; April Dicken of Clinton will exhibit a design for a museum of modern art; and Artimese Fairley of Hattiesburg will present a design for a women's clothing store.

Rebecca Bailey of Olive Branch will display materials supporting a women's motorcycle club known as the "Moxie Mamas;" Emily Medlin of New Albany will present a furniture market showroom titled "Ninety Degree;" Misty Dunn of Brookhaven will exhibit a design for a vintage clothing boutique; Shannon Hill of Seminary will unveil her design for a new line of water; and Ann Marie Mapp of Hattiesburg will display a DVD presentation of marketing strategies.

Three students of the sculpture program will present their works. Christopher Lee of Hattiesburg will exhibit large-scale sculpture both at the Museum of Art and the university's new Structural Steel Services 3-D Art Building.

Hattiesburg resident Lori Brown, who finished the requirements for a degree in painting and drawing in May 2003, will present a performance accompanying her exhibition of sculpture. Austin Kirkwood of New Orleans will exhibit a series of sculptures. He also completed the requirements for a degree in painting and drawing during the summer 2003 semester.

Chatham Meade of Hattiesburg and daughter of Southern Miss art professor Jim Meade will exhibit a series of paintings. She is a double major in art and English.

"This public exhibition is an important component of our program," said museum director Tony Lewis. "Being able to display a finely honed body of work in a professional manner will help define the career goals of our graduates."

The University of Southern Mississippi Museum of Art is located in the Fine Arts Building at the southwest corner of campus. The hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission to the museum and reception is free and open to the public. School and community groups are welcome. Call Lewis at (601) 266-5200 for more information.

-30-