Two seniors to display art at Northwestern

Emilee Berry and Lyric Morris, two senior art/graphic design majors at Northwestern College, will display their work March 23–27 in the college’s Te Paske Gallery. A public reception with the student artists is scheduled for Friday, March 27, at 7 p.m.

Entitled “Redirection,” the exhibit explores the repurposing of everyday objects to tell new stories. Berry’s art is inspired by a summer study abroad trip to Greece and focuses on the interaction between the organized structure of Greek architecture and the organized chaos of nature. Her sculptures and mixed media prints combine structure with movement and creativity.

“When I create artwork, I want it to be powerful and commanding from far away, but still create questions or confusion upon closer inspection,” she says. “For me, process is everything. Texture, technique and material are more important than the image itself.”

Morris’ art primarily uses processes traditionally associated with women, such as embroidery and weaving, but also includes paintings, collages and photographs. “My work specifically uses fabric and household items such as lampshades, pantyhose, a bed frame and pillowcases to help me explore how my life experiences and relationships have shaped my understanding of being a woman,” she explains.

Morris, who is also minoring in journalism, plans to move to Cincinnati, Ohio, after graduating from Northwestern and to get a job in either public art or graphic design.  She is the daughter of Robert and Denise Morris of Oskaloosa and the late Connie Cornelison of Fairfield, Iowa.

Berry is the daughter of Todd and Traci Riessen of Battle Creek, Iowa, and Mark Berry of Early, Iowa. In addition to her art/graphic design major, she is minoring in arts administration and public relations with the goal of doing graphic design for a creative firm following graduation.

Northwestern’s Te Paske Gallery is located in the Thea G. Korver Visual Arts Center, on Highway 10 at 214 8th Street SW in Orange City. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to midnight Sunday.