Behind the Scenes Process at SPU’s Art Exhibits: Featuring the Tokimeki Show
“Tokimeki is an expression of our hope and excitement for the future and what we intend to bestow upon it”
-the featured illustrators, SPAC Illustration
“Making and curating exhibits is rewarding, it has a Christmas morning kind of feeling to it.”
–Zack Bent, Assistant Professor of Art
Seattle Pacific University’s art department is a safe place where students can experiment and grow their passion for visual arts. Students can showcase their artwork through installations in the exhibit located in the art center’s main lobby. The featured pieces are carefully thought out, curated, and often prepared months in advance.
The current show is an illustration exhibit consisting of the artwork of eight students who have been developing their projects throughout the years. It is a culmination of their illustration studies where some students work on animation, video games, illustrations for children’s books, and more. The work they have built up throughout the year can then be used for their professional portfolios.
“Typically, when you go to a museum or gallery, it is supposed to feel like you are watching a film—effortless—but the reality is for that to feel effortless, it takes a lot of labor.”
–Zack Bent, Assistant Professor of Art
The senior shows typically have a week crossover. After one show is presented for about a week, they have the weekend to tear down the show, patch up and paint the walls, and prepare the space for the next show’s installation on Monday. Then the next show’s artists usually have a week to prepare their installations for the exhibit’s opening the following Monday.
In many of the exhibits, especially senior shows, professors like Zack Bent set the stage for students to do things themselves. As students develop their projects, they have to consider things like postcard designs, putting vinyl on walls, and naming their pieces. After completing their own installation decisions, they coordinate with other students to make sure their pieces flow nicely and are properly positioned in the space.
“There was a lot of time spent organizing everything, it wasn’t very difficult but you had to have patience to do it”
–Gabi Adams, Senior Illustration Major
Gabi Adams, a senior illustration major, enjoyed the installation process. Gabi explained that her installation took about two weeks. In the first week, she had to focus on gathering all her prints, and then deciding how they should be framed on the wall. The second week consisted of painting the walls and coordinating with other students on things like what colors to use.
“The art department has really impacted me. It has changed the way I see my artwork. After taking art classes here, not only was I learning new skills…but I also realized I have my own unique art style and people do appreciate it.”
–Gabi Adams, Senior Illustration major
Students like Gabi have been greatly impacted by the support and guidance the art department offers. Professors like Zack Bent, who works closely with the curation process of SPU’s exhibits, are to thank for their constant encouragement. The art exhibit allows students to showcase their hard work and unique pieces.
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