5&Under

Open through March 14

FEBRUARY 27:

4pm Artist Talk in Hanes Gallery

5-7pm Reception in stArt.rv

Every Spring, stArt invites back two alumni, one from Art History and one from Studio Art, to give a presentation on their experience at WFU and what they’ve done since graduation.

This year, we bring back Maggie Grundy (’20, Art History) who is an interior designer at Studio Sofield, and SJ Willis (’22, Studio Art) who works as a multimedia marketing specialist at Ally.

SJ Willis presents Between Roots, Wings and Whispers of Home, A multimedia exhibition in the stArt gallery.

Step into an eco-visual study of flora, flight, family and folio. This lively collection of photo based mixed media is rooted in experimental documentation and eclectic collaging.  

Intimate portraiture is refreshed with oil pastel, stone clay and deconstructed prints. Photo transfers are pressed into wood surfaces found around the home. Recycled works on canvas reimagined to set subjects into illusionary scenes and dreamscapes. 

FLORA showcases colorful abstractions. Portraits deconstructed onto surfaces plastered with textured blooms and greenery. These interactions spotlight humans’ inextricable dependency on the natural world.

FLIGHT portrays a playful exploration of bird watching through momentary interactions shot on black and white film. This photographing method necessitated intentional observation, allowing time to observe flocks’ physicality and communal behaviors. 

FAMILY honors the beauty of multi generational connections through depictions of affection within  various familial relationships. These portraits were made in the backyards of each subject’s home. 

FOLIO uplifts the importance of collecting analog media and sharing stories by practicing documentation in a way that embodies unique perspectives.

These components can be found here, Between Roots, Wings and Whispers of Home