BFA Fine Art & Photography Triple Exhibition Opens April 20

Work by Andi Austin, Amy Jernigan & Karen Voelker on view through April 30

Watkins College of Art, Design & Film presents a series of six Senior Thesis Exhibitions through May 12, celebrating the work of 13 graduating students in the Fine Art and Photography departments. Four shows with receptions will be staged in the Brownlee O. Currey, Jr. Gallery on campus and two in community locations.

Photography major Karen Voelker and fine art majors Andi Austin and Amy Jernigan will stage their group exhibition, the fifth show in the series, April 20 through 30 in the Currey Gallery. An opening reception is set for 6 to 9 p.m on Friday, April 20.

The exhibitions and reception are free and the public is invited. Watkins is located at 2298 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard in MetroCenter; free parking is available in the campus lot.  For more information, visit Watkins.edu or call 615.383.4848.

Andi Austin, Princeton, WV
BFA in Fine Art

Stripped

Andi Austin is originally from southern West Virginia, where her family has been affected by coal mining both historically and currently.  Her work stems from ideas of mining, Appalachian culture, and her own memories of the landscape. She plans to pursue teaching and art therapy.

Statement:  West Virginia is often viewed, from an outside perspective, as simply a source of coal, and faceless miners to remove it.  To someone who grew up on its mountains, however, the vibrant culture, hard-working communities, and lush environment far out-weigh the value of the mineral, making the container more important that what is contained. My work explores the priority of the mineral and the effects of mountaintop removal mining in the back counties of southern West Virginia. 

Amy Jernigan, Springfield, TN


BFA in Fine Art


The Skin Within

Amy Jernigan is a printmaker who transforms photographs into intaglio prints. Most of her subject matter comes from her community in Springfield, TN.  A lot of her inspirations come from her from her community and her grandmother.

Statement: “The Skin Within” evolves from photographs about insecurities taken of Amy’s community and family. “Photographs preserve memories and record facts.” Transferring her photographs into intaglio prints connects her with her work as well as other viewers. Her African-American culture, community, friends, and family members inspire her.

Karen Voelker, 
Pace, FL
BFA in Photography

Solus