Augusta University artists showcase their talents

In a partnership with the Greater Augusta Arts Council, Augusta University students, faculty, staff and alumni have their work on display at the Augusta Municipal Building. It’s been a collaboration as the council has worked with Scott Thorp, chair of the Department of Art and Design, to come up with more public projects.

Over 20 artists have their work on display, which wasn’t a surprise to Heather Rene Dunaway, council marketing and outreach gallery director.

“I went to Augusta University, I know how many talented people go there,” said Dunaway. “I was surprised how much reach we got. We have people from Boston, people that graduated and left the Augusta area who submitted work and mailed it to us. That was kind of cool.”

The pieces on display feature a variety of mediums. From acrylic to charcoal, to traditional painting, photography and more, those participating let their work speak for itself. For many, this is the first time they’ve ever had their art hanging on the wall in a gallery setting.

“I thought maybe I would go to a convention someday and just have my own little stand or something, but this is fantastic,” said Cody Bradley, who is majoring in computer science in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, and minoring in art.

“I didn’t [imagine this] to be honest,” said Brian Berry, an AU graduate. “I never thought this would happen, and I’m so glad I get this opportunity.”

Bradley’s works are charcoal pieces that were part of a class. His goal is to get into the game design aspect of computer science where art intersects with a career path.

“I love the creative aspect of programming and that kind of goes hand in hand with art,” added Bradley. “One, game design has a lot of art aspects to it as well. Two, it feels in the same vein of writing programs and doing art because it’s both doing this creative idea onto either a paper or into a program.”

Berry is also currently working with the Golden Blocks comic series and is helping to illustrate the latest book they are producing.  

The Greater Augusta Arts Council had work submitted to them and selected the pieces that are now on display. For some, it’s a passion of theirs; for others, it’s more of a hobby. But the talent shines through either way.

“I’ve done art my entire life,” said Gabryelle Harris. ”Before that I said I wanted to be a doctor, but then I picked up a pencil and paper and just started drawing. My mom just kept giving me material to hone my craft, honestly.”

Harris is a first-year graphic design student and wants to do medical illustration. She has two pieces of art on display. Her submissions to a different show had previously been rejected, so for this opportunity to come along made her day.

“This will always be my first love, to just put paint on paper, but then I can go into the scientific side,” added Harris.

The artwork will be on display at the Augusta Municipal Building, 535 Telfair St., Augusta, until May 9.