Experiencing the Art of Exhibiting at Sinclair

Art majors at Sinclair Community College have many opportunities to display their work before taking part in a public exhibition, according to Terri Perkins, 47, a Sinclair graduate and current art student from Fairborn.

“When you’re taking studio classes, you always have critiques,” says Perkins. “At the end of each term, everybody displays their work, and we all go around and evaluate it.”

Art majors also take a Pre-graduation Exhibition course before receiving their degree. At the end of the course, each student selects several pieces that follow a unifying theme, and their work, along with that of other graduates, eventually winds up as part of an exhibition.

“It was a great experience, because I really learned what it takes to put on an exhibit,” says Perkins. “How you display makes a big impression when people come to see your work, and the instructor, Pat McClelland, really helped everyone to learn that process.”

Brandy Driver, a Fine Art major from Greenville, also has experience setting up exhibits. Driver, 26, and three other students helped set up a display showcasing Sinclair’s Art Club in the Hypotenuse Gallery on the third floor of Building 13.

“We were highlighting the work that I and other members have done,” Driver says. “It was easy to do. I love organizing, so it was right up my alley.”

Students have the opportunity to try and profit from their work, as well.

“After the exhibition, you can choose to try and sell your work or keep it for your own,” says Perkins. “If you decide to sell, the school often times will buy it and put it on display.”

Artwork created by students is displayed on walls and in glass cases throughout the campus, often accompanied by a card or plaque identifying the artist. Perkins currently has several sculpted and ceramic pieces on display in Building 13, while Driver recently had ink drawings displayed in the hallway leading to Building 10.

“The class critiques help when you have to take it out there in public,” Perkins says. “It gets you out of that fear factor when it comes to people seeing your work.”

Driver also enjoys having her work put on display.

“It’s always interesting to hear others analyze the ‘meaning’ of my work,” she says. “I love hearing what people think, both good and bad. That’s how you grow as an artist.”