By Chip Chandler — Producer
A 46-year-old tradition will continue Friday with the opening of a joint exhibition at Amarillo Museum of Art.
The Amarillo College / West Texas A&M University Student/Faculty Exhibition will open with a 6:30 p.m. reception at the museum, 2200 S. Van Buren St. It will be on view through April 22.
AC and WT art departments have collaborated with AMoA since 1972 on the exhibition, which features the best works from current students and faculty.
"The Student/Faculty Show at AMoA is a chance for our student to show off their hard work. For many of them, it is the first time to see their work on the wall of the museum," said Jon Revett, assistant professor of painting and drawing at WT. "I applaud the AMoA staff for facilitating the annual exhibit that gives our students an unforgettable experience. It is also allows both Amarillo College and WT to come together and celebrate all the great work that has been made over the last year."
AC graphic design professor Derek Weathersbee echoed that sentiment.
"The WT/AC show offers a unique opportunity (for students) to not only see their work in a new context – that is, among a strong collection of curated pieces – but to engage in the sort of good-willed competition that exists in the world of professional graphic design and the arts in general. Artists are forever reaching to be the best at their craft, but can still appreciate and be inspired by the work of others," Weathersbee said.
Alex Gregory, AMoA curator of art, said the exhibition has long offered the opportunity for both students and faculty "to show their work to a larger audience in a museum setting."
"It’s also a way for museum visitors to see a diverse exhibition of contemporary artwork being created in the region," he continued. "The exhibition is typically full of exciting experimental work from both institutions’ students and faculty."
The reception will feature gallery talks at 6:45 p.m. (about the WT works) and 7 p.m. (about the AC works), plus beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres.
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Call 806-371-5050.
Here's a sample of images to be on display:
Chip Chandler is a producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and on Facebook.
