FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 5, 2009
Contact: Alex Stelioes-Wills
(662) 329-7291
salex@as.muw.edu

MUW graduating seniors exhibit artwork and host reception

COLUMBUS, Miss. – The artwork of five graduating seniors at Mississippi University for Women will be displayed at the Fine Arts Gallery Nov. 10 through Dec. 20.

The exhibit will be in the Eugenia Summer Gallery, which is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An opening reception will be held Friday, Nov.20, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Paintings, drawings, photography and design work will be highlighted as part of the show.

The seniors graduating with a bachelor of fine arts from the department of art and design are Aneesha Baldeosingh, Alanna Gladney, Mechelle Blair, Lindsey Shelnut and Saxon Wilson.

Baldeosingh, who is from Trinidad, will be graduating with a BFA in studio arts. She has been an active leader at MUW, serving as president of the Kappa Pi Honorary Art Fraternity and vice-president of the Art Students’ League. Recently, Baldeosingh had two pieces selected for inclusion in the 11th Annual Painting, Drawing, Photography & Print International Online Juried Art Exhibition. She plans to continue her studies in graduate school and become a professor.

Gladney, a California native and Air Force veteran, will be graduating with a BFA in graphic design. She discovered MUW while stationed at Columbus Air Force Base. Upon completing her enlistment in 2006, she became a full-time student. Gladney completed a graphic design internship at The Cirlot Agency in Jackson, which has been assisting MUW with market research for its proposed name change. She will be moving to Seattle to pursue a career in graphic design. 

Blair is long-time resident of Columbus, and with her degree in art education, she plans to give back to the community as an art instructor. She has completed her degree while maintaining her responsibilities as a wife, mother to three, grandmother and employee. Despite the demands, she has been an exemplary artist, having received awards at MUW undergraduate shows for her metal and fiber arts. She also served as secretary for the Art Students’ League.

Shelnut and Wilson are earning BFAs in graphic design.

Shelnut of Vernon, Ala., has received awards for her work in undergraduate shows and was included in the 2009 Mississippi Collegiate Art Competition. She paints sets and floats for the Mardi Gras Krewes of the Mississippi Coast and was commissioned as creative designer for a theme float this year. Shelnut completed her internship with MUW campus recreation, serving as a marketing coordinator and graphic designer. She plans to continue her education with a focus on web and interactive design.

Wilson is a 2004 graduate of New Hope High School. He has twice received awards in undergraduate shows for his outstanding photography and digital imagery. He is graphic designer for MUW campus recreation. Upon graduation, he hopes to continue his creative path and pursue a career in graphic design, in Birmingham, Ala.