CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (March 21, 2019)-Kirkwood Community College is featuring its first official alumni art exhibition, showcasing the work of 38 former students. The exhibit, which is currently on display in the Iowa Hall Gallery on Kirkwood’s main campus, culminates with a final reception on March 28.
While celebrating the artistic success of former students, the exhibit also seeks to illustrate the large scope of career opportunities available for students with a talent for art.
Many Kirkwood alumni have found tremendous success in a variety of fields. Students have transferred to four-year institutions to further study the arts, medical illustration, or architecture, and several others have found success as clay artists, glass artists, photographers, sculptors, graphic designers, interior designers, painters, illustrators, tattoo artists, and entrepreneurs.
“Some of the best artists I’ve ever taught are featured in this exhibit,” said Kirkwood Assistant Art Professor Arbe Bareis. “Many of them were not planning on pursuing a career in art, but ended up being some of the biggest successes I’ve seen. Maggie McDonald is a perfect example of that. She took one art class and it changed her life from there.”
McDonald is one of the artists featured in the alumni exhibition. She took her first art class at Kirkwood as a junior in high school, and it sparked a passion for architecture. McDonald continues to develop her passion at the University of Notre Dame, where she will graduate in 2022 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.
“Art gives students a chance to learn about themselves,” said Bareis. “It helps them embrace their fear and vulnerability and take risks. Art helps students build confidence and develop a healthy, assertive voice.” Many of the featured artists will be returning to campus for the exhibit’s reception on Thursday, March 28, which is open to the public and free to attend.
***EVENT***
What: Kirkwood Alumni Art Exhibit Reception
Where: Iowa Hall Gallery on Kirkwood’s main campus
When: Thursday, March 28
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.