Seven graduating art students are showcasing their best work for family, friends and the public through an open gallery exhibit in the Inasuch Foundation Gallery in the Visual and Performing Arts Center on OCCC’s campus through May 6.

Art Professor Doug Blake said every spring OCCC opens an exhibition created and designed by graduating students.

This year Blake has guided Mathew Glass, Kirsten Hess, Luis Lebron, Kelsey Rice, Lareisa Thompson, Ja-Young Worrilow and Anastasia Yorke through the process.

“It is an important part of their education as they’re about to leave,” Blake said. “Mounting the show is both a teaching and learning experience.”

The exhibition is a collection of the students’ best artwork, whether it be painting, sculpture, or any other type of art they have created. Blake said the goal is to make every piece come across in the best way possible. He has worked alongside the artists to try and make it the most professional atmosphere possible.

Yorke, a visual arts major, said she hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree after OCCC.

“[I’ve been] getting all the pieces together, like all my paintings, drawings, and ceramic pieces together,” she said. “[We’ve] been helping with putting up the [artwork] in the gallery… I like the way it is set up.”

Yorke intends to gain some work experience then transfer to either the University of Oklahoma or the University of Central Oklahoma.

“I want to choose whichever has the best art school,” she said with a smile.

When walking into the gallery, the viewer’s eye easily transitions from piece to piece of individual artwork due to the flow of the exhibit. Wandering through the exhibit, the elegant charcoal and chalk drawings, mosaic creations, pointalism, sculptures, acrylic on canvas, and more.

The art causes the viewer to pause and reflect on the amount of time, emotion, effort, and thought put into each piece.

The professor said these presentation skills can be used later down the road in their careers. Admission is free.

The portfolio exhibit will remain on display until May 6. Gallery hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday by appointment.

For more information, contact Blake at dblake@occc.edu. The gallery phone is 405-682 1611 extension 2581.

During non-gallery hours, call the Cultural Programs Office at 405-682 7576.