Photo Essay: Students display artwork in Carlotti exhibit

04/07/09 - University of Rhode Island students and faculty flocked to Carlotti Administration Building for the opening of the 2009 Student Spring Art Exhibit. Artwork ranged from digital photography, to pastels, collages, lithographs, oil, monotypes and linocuts. Each student had the chance to explain their artwork and the inspiration behind it.URI Vice President of Administration Robert Weygand hosted the event outside of his office, and his assistant, Sharon Kenyon, helped plan the event.

"This is an opportunity for students to gain exposure and show their work," Kenyon said.

The Carlotti staff submitted ballots for their favorite display prior to the awards presentation and reception. Winners received a gift certificate to Utrecht art supply in Providence.

First place was awarded to Eric Fay for "Old Truck." Fay created the pastel artwork for an assignment in his Drawing 4 class. He needed to represent an environmental factor.

"I just started out on a blank sheet of drawing paper," Fay said. The result was an abandoned and rusted truck in a metal scrape yard. Joseph Silver came in second place for his work "Composition No.1", which is oil on canvas to create an abstract skull. Third place was given to Jillian Pertacca for her assortment of M&M's in the pastel "Scattered Sweets."

Finally, Michelle Caraccia and her collage "The 1811 Departing at 6:27 am" received an honorable mention.

"Deutscher Schaferhund," another collage by Caraccia did not win any awards, but was greatly liked by all who attended. A crowd formed around the artwork after the award reception to hear Caraccia reiterate her motivation behind the frame. This collage depicts the history of the German Shepherd by scattered pictures and a map.

Originally, the invitation to showcase artwork was given to both students and faculty. However, faculty declined, and wanted the exhibit to benefit the students only. A total of 10 students participated in the exhibit with 17 pieces of artwork.