Ouachita Stories

The work of Ouachita Baptist University’s senior graphic design students will be on display in Mabee Fine Arts building’s Hammons Gallery April 13-18, with a closing reception on April 18 at 12 noon.

The students involved in the show are Katherine Frazier of Maumelle, Ark.; Jeff Humble of Brinkley, Ark.; Aaron Hunter of Arkadelphia, Ark.; Joy Livers of Benton, Ark.; Brittany McClain of Arkadelphia, Ark., and Kim Patton of Plano, Texas.

This is the first year Ouachita’s senior graphic design majors have collaborated to present a senior exhibition. It is a departure from the solo and paired shows of years past.

“A group show is a more realistic setting for graphic design work,” said David Bieloh, chair of OBU’s department of Art and Design. “Most professional graphic design shows are group exhibitions and are usually associated with a competition or conference. Designers need to be prepared to show their work publicly as part of a larger group of design in a wide variety of categories.”

Bieloh added that having one senior graphic design show frees up the gallery throughout the year for more guest artists and studio art students. “The studio students will remain with the solo or two-person shows, which is very realistic for them,” noted Bieloh. “Painters, sculptors, etc., often have solo or smaller curated shows as part of their professional careers.

The graphic design exhibit will showcase the students’ work from throughout their years of study at Ouachita. They will be displaying logos, posters, brochures, packaging, invitations and more.

“I think it might seem like seven pieces for a show would be easy, but it’s a lot of work,” said Jeff Humble. “Three of my most recent posters took about a month apiece.”

Brittany Cosh agreed, saying, “Being a part of this show is something that has made me nervous for a very long time, but I’m excited to show all the things I have been working on so hard in the last few years.”

Bieloh has been working with the students on their pieces since he arrived at Ouachita last fall. “We were prepared very well for this show,” said Humble, “and we’ve been working toward it all semester by gearing our projects toward things that would look good in the gallery. … Mr. Bieloh would also guide us so that the projects we came up with would help us get hired after graduation.”

“I am extremely excited about this group’s portfolios,” Bieloh said. “The work that will be on display is the result of months of planning, revisions, more revisions and genuine hard work. I hope many people—whether they know what graphic design is or not—will come to see the exhibit.”

By Brooke Showalter