BOONE—Appalachian State University’s Catherine J. Smith Gallery presents the BFA Senior Studio Exhibition Fall 2008 Dec. 10-19. It will be shown in the gallery in Farthing Auditorium, and in Plemmons Student Union’s Looking Glass Gallery.

The exhibit will include work by nine candidates for the bachelor of fine art degree in studio art.
Works in this show are composed of a variety of media including painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, fibers and photography.

The artists are Rachael Chapman, Caroline Cheek, Jessica Finch, Elizabeth Gilliam, Liz Kohler, Michael Mull, Susan Nasrallah, Jonathan Ryan, and Megan Seehorn. Works by all of the artists, except Liz Kohler, will be exhibited at the Catherine J. Smith Gallery. Her works will be on view at Plemmons Student Union’s Looking Glass Gallery.

During the past year, the students have worked with Robin Martindale, a professor in the Department of
Art, to prepare for the exhibit. “Working with these young artists as they prepare for their senior studio exhibition has been a wonderful experience,” Martindale said. “With the support of their faculty advisers, they have worked hard to create very sophisticated bodies of work, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to watch their creative progress.”

A reception for the BFA Senior Studio Exhibition Fall 2008 will be held Dec. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Catherine Smith Gallery. A reception for Liz Kohler will also be held Dec. 19 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Looking Glass Gallery.

About the artists
Rachael Chapman was born in Jacksonville, Fla. She moved with her father to his hometown in Marion when she was 5 years old. Chapman graduated from McDowell High School in 2004 and came to Appalachian the following winter. She expects to graduate with a BFA concentration in photographic design.

Caroline Cheek is currently completing her coursework at Appalachian.  She is inspired by the
found object and curious about the secret lives of things. Her work reflects an interest in the connection
between children and these objects.

Jessica Fitch was born in Baltimore, Md., and grew up in Clarksville, Tenn. From a young age, Fitch has created art and traveled throughout the world. These experiences have influenced her work dramatically. After studying in Italy, her work became more figurative as everyone can relate to issues of the body. She conveys personal experience in her work and explores the relationship between the viewer and art. Fitch expects to graduate with a BFA concentration in painting.

Elizabeth Gilliam grew up in Lynchburg, Va. She began her education as a theatre major and dance minor, but was drawn to visual art, specifically painting. Gilliam paints on metal to supplement the concepts in her work. Gilliam expects to graduate with BFA concentrations in painting and printmaking.

Liz Kohler was born in Crossnore. Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, Kohler gained an appreciation for and fascination with nature. She has also been greatly influenced by the community of clay artists in the small mountain region where she was raised.  While studying at Appalachian, Kohler became interested in Chinese culture because of its long ceramic history, and ancient philosophies and religions that emphasize a deep connection to and respect for nature. In summer 2007 she traveled to China and was shocked by the devastating pollution that is destroying their exotic plants and beautiful landscapes. This experience greatly influenced her work, inspiring her to deal with issues concerning the relationship between humans and nature. Kohler expects to graduate with a BFA concentration in ceramics.

Michael Mull was born and was raised in Morganton. She studied art and writing throughout primary and secondary education. Mull attended Western Piedmont Community College where she studied photography and N.C. State University where she studied textile design. She expects to graduate from Appalachian with a BFA concentration in printmaking and fibers.

Susan Nasrallah is a native of Michigan. She grew up on her father’s 80-acre farm where she was
taught to respect the land. Her artwork reflects her love and respect for nature, and the importance for
sustainability. Nasrallah expects to graduate with BFA concentrations in painting and ceramics.

Jonathan Ryan grew up traveling with a military family.  He graduated from Morehead High School in Eden.  Ryan expects to receive a BFA concentration in painting.

Meghan Seehorn is from Lincoln County. She learned to appreciate art through the many local “folk” potters. By working in clay she keeps a strong connection to her roots. Seehorn uses the medium to explore humanity through the
figure. Her senior work documents the experience of pregnancy with life-size human castings. She expects to graduate with a BFA concentration in ceramics and painting.

The Catherine J. Smith Gallery is located at 733 Rivers St. in Farthing Auditorium on the Appalachian State University campus.  Admission is free.  Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.art.appstate.edu/cjs or call 828-262-7338. For more information about
Plemmons Student Union, visit http://studentunion.appstate.edu/ or call 828-262-3032.

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