The UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County campus is hosting a student art showcase from April 17 through May 31. The showcase hosts art from over 15 students and includes a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing and sculpture.

On April 24, the campus hosted an opening reception to showcase the event. The reception also gave students the opportunity to talk about their pieces and the processes behind them.

Kelly Alekna, a Sophomore at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County stated, “I try to give my art names, stories or themes.” She talked about how throughout her courses, she had to apply herself in different ways, whether through focusing on one object, using similar colors together or trying to imitate a collage.

Alekna also talked about the joys of making art, and how it gives her a sense of independence and freedom. When asked about her experience, Alekna said, “I really enjoyed my time here. I’ve learned how to tap into my potential, and it opens up so many opportunities for students.”

Alekna is currently working on a mural that will be displayed on the Baraboo Sauk County campus.

Joe Charles, sophomore at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, talked about his painting, which was made as part of an imitation of an old artist’s project. “This painting is of my deceased grandma,” Charles continued. “It’s inspired by artist Paula Becker, who does work in expressionism.”

He explained that expressionism is an artform that focuses on the subject and their emotions rather than a realistic interpretation of the area surrounding them. “This piece is the longest I’ve spent on a piece,” Charles added. “It probably took me about 10 hours to do.” 

Charles finished by adding that his time in the art program has “refined (his) art” and that he will continue pursuing a degree in graphic design.

Letha Kelsey, an organizer for the event and professor of art at the UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County campus, talked about what she hopes students get out of both her art classes and out of the exhibition. “I think it’s important to look at the world with significance, to slow down and process the world.”

She talked about wanting students to be curious about the world around them and about how she tries to give a wide variety of projects to let students express themselves. “I notice a shift in students when they start taking art classes,” Kelsey added, “They start to slow down and see the small moments.”

“Art is a way to bring people together,” Savannah Propp, an art major at UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, said. “I have gotten to meet new people and share my art and view other students’ art, and I think that is very important.”

The art showcase will remain open for the public through May 31.