Senior Thesis Art Exhibit now open

The 2015-2016 Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery artists’ schedule concludes with a thesis exhibit featuring the works of Upper Iowa University seniors Becky Althouse, Becky Carpenter and Elizabeth Roneker.

“We are excited to have these three student exhibitions coming to Bing Davis Gallery,” said Elissa Wenthe, UIU associate professor of art. “Each of these students have worked for the past year on their respective thesis exhibition and are eager to have them showcased at the Gallery. Visitors will be amazed at the thoughtful, engaging work that these students have created.”

A reception is scheduled from 3:30 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, for the Althouse and Roneker exhibits. The two exhibits will remain open to the public during regular gallery hours through Tuesday, April 26. Meanwhile, Carpenter will unveil her artwork Monday, May 2 – Sunday, May 8. A reception is scheduled from 3:30 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 5.

The artists and their respective exhibits are as follows:

 Becky Althouse

“What you see is a lie”

A double-major in Studio Arts and Environmental Science, Becky Althouse will graduate with honors from Upper Iowa in May of 2016. The Decorah, Iowa, native has been active in both Art Club, and Science and Environment Club during her attendance at UIU. In addition, Althouse is credited with leading a number of projects that involve the community, area youth, and fellow students in environmental causes and the advocacy of the arts.

Althouse studied art in the Netherlands in 2015 and traveled through Europe for two months. Her studies and travels in Europe marked the start of her passion with photography.

Becky Carpenter

“Yesterday. I was a different person.”

Born in Plymouth, England, Becky Carpenter-Barnes now resides in West Union with her husband, Joey, and daughter, Jazmine. Carpenter previously achieved a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, England. She will be graduating from UIU with a bachelor’s degree in art and graphic design.

In addition to reading to and spending time with her daughter, Carpenter finds inspiration in traveling, meeting other artists across the globe, as well as taking additional art classes to renew her skills in a variety of mediums. In addition to showing the 2105 prizewinning painting at the Fayette County Fair in West Union, Iowa, her works have been selected for juried exhibits in England and the United States.

Carpenter’s current art project explores a variety of forms made from a single material. Ultimately, she engages her audience to explore the world she has created through her own personal narrative.

Elizabeth Roneker

“IMPERFECT”

A 2012 graduate of West Central High school in Maynard, Iowa, Elizabeth Roneker will graduate in May from Upper Iowa University with a bachelor’s degree in studio art, with a minor in general business and a certificate in arts administration. While attending UIU, Roneker has participated in Art Club, Student Government Association, Fayette Appreciation Day, High School Art Show, Saturday Art Program, and Video Athletics.

The main focus of her artwork consists of paintings, drawings, and prints that explore the stereotypes and beliefs engrained into individuals at a very young age. The aspiring artist focuses on all preconceptions such as gender, equality, race, and ethnicity. More recently, Roneker has been inspired by the subject of mental health and how those who are victims of mental disorders are defined by society.

Bing-Davis Memorial Gallery is located in the Edgar Fine Arts Hall on the Upper Iowa University Fayette Campus. The gallery will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.