Apex of achievement
Metro art students share art, friendship at BFA exhibit
By Kate Gee
geek@mscd.edu
Photos by Amy Armstrong • armstamy@mscd.edu

An art patron checks out Trish C. Nakamura’s drawings at the opening night reception at Metro’s Center for the Visual Arts on April 21.

Artist Brian A. Rendon poses in front of his installation piece, “All Day, Everyday, Always Forever.”

 
   The buzz began a week before the big day. A growing feeling of anticipation is in the air, with a bit of stress and a lot of excitement mixed in. Finally, the day that marks the culmination of years of hard work is at hand. After 13 weeks of preparation, a group of 16 Metro fine art students open their BFA thesis show, which they have aptly named APEX.

   After some hectic last-minute preparation, the rest of the night is filled with recognition. The crowd of more than 600 began to filter in through the double doors of the gallery. Soon, the Center for the Visual Arts is filled and is echoing with discussion and laughter.

   Students talk with their friends, family and admirers. Hugs and laughter are exchanged among fellow students.
They have grown to know each other through their time spent together in class, through reading and critiquing each other’s work and images, and through working to build and organize the reception night.

   Students comment that they can’t believe this day has finally arrived, that it doesn’t seem real that graduation is just around the corner.