Studio 205 exhibition to present the works of three painting majors

DeKALB – Lizzy Warner, Tina Figarelli and Julie Ashley are BFA painting majors graduating this spring. They are hosting the “Studio 205” exhibit to showcase the art they have done during their years at NIU.

The exhibition will take place May 5 in Studio 205 at the Still Gym from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with music and refreshments to enjoy while you scan the artwork. Access is free and there is no need to purchase tickets in advance.

There will be another showcase taking place the same evening in the Jack Olson Gallery which exhibits the artwork for BFA graduates, but the “Studio 205” exhibition is an extended showcase for the three painting majors exclusively .

“This year (and this exhibition) is really special for the painting program because there are only three of us and we are all women,” Warner said.

The three painting majors curated the exhibit themselves by decorating the interior, repainting the walls, and removing furniture to furnish the room while trying to complete their final semester. Full collections of their work will be on display along with additional work they have produced over the years.

Attendees will be able to experience three different types of artwork, as the three women all have different painting styles to display. They all have experience in other departments, so extended works like jewelry and designs will also be on display that night.

Rather, the “Studio 205” exhibition will be a cozy and relaxed setting for strolling and admiring the work of the three painters. The casual setting gives attendees the opportunity to talk to the artists and ask them questions about their process or a certain piece of work they have created and how to work in a paint studio.

As this is their last showcase before graduation, Ashley said she hopes faculty and peers will come out to celebrate and support them.

“Having your art seen by different people is always a really good feeling and also getting feedback from people and seeing that I can improve,” Ashley said. “Also, getting my name out there as an artist and gaining relationships is beneficial.”