About a dozen art students will showcase the best of their work in a capstone exhibition on campus until the end of the semester.

These soon-to-be graduates are enrolled in Professor Doug Blake’s Portfolio Art Class, learning how to shine the best light on the art they have created over their time at OCCC. Anything from photography to sculptures will be featured in this month-long exhibit, Blake said.

Portfolio students are using this exhibit to display what they consider to be their best pieces of work from any of the art classes they have completed.

These students have finished all the required core art courses in order to graduate, with this portfolio class being the last one, Blake said.

The process of constructing an exhibit is more complex than viewers think, Blake said.

Students learn not only how to create the piece displayed, but also the many steps that it takes to display the artwork properly.

“This [process] takes a little expertise,” he said. Hanging art on the wall requires attention to details such as lighting, height from the ground, and more.

On the other hand, sculptures can be positioned anywhere throughout the gallery.

Students learn how to hang the work with proper height and spacing, how to make labels, how to light a show, and other aspects involved in mounting a piece of work.

A celebratory reception is being held to kick off the exhibit directly before the opening. Students are welcome to come and enjoy the art of fellow students while snacking on some refreshments.

The exhibit along with the reception will be held in the art gallery, VPAC 124. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until the semester ends Dec. 16.

For more information on the exhibit, reception, or Capstone classes Blake at dblake@occc.edu or by phone at 405-682-1611 ext. 7250.