by Ashton Thomas
A beautiful sunset lit the sky over Ruston’s Historic Fire Station Thursday evening as dozens of community members gathered to celebrate student artwork and support their creative endeavors.
Thursday’s “The Degrees of Art” was a showcase created by Kay Walker and Tonia Henderson, the first ladies of Ruston and Louisiana Tech, respectively. Twenty students in the university’s Studio Art and VISTA (Visual Integration of Science Through Art) programs proudly displayed their work throughout the historic venue as attendees strolled through the exhibition.
The event came about from a desire to revamp the interior of the Historic Fire Station, according to Walker.
“I wanted to do something for the inside of the building, and one day, it hit me — I need to ask Tonia about this! She will know what to do,” she laughed.
Once the two women met for coffee, The Degrees of Art quickly began to take shape. Henderson’s idea to include student artwork had one primary goal: to help the community recognize the artistic talent within the town’s university population.
“Jim and I go to events like this all the time, being at Tech. We know the talent that’s on campus, but the community doesn’t,” Henderson said. “This way we can help people see what our students are capable of.”
While Henderson hoped to connect the community with student talent, Walker saw the exhibition as an opportunity to bring student viewpoints into the heart of Ruston. She believes the student perspective is immensely important to the city.
“I wanted the space to be seen through the students’ eyes,” Walker said.
And so it was; students smiled as they posed for photos in front of their work, met new Ruston neighbors and shared the perspectives that inspired their creations.
Walker and Henderson organized the evening with support from the Louisiana Tech University Foundation, the College of Liberal Arts and the city of Ruston.
In addition to showcasing student artwork, the event recognized three participants with scholarships and awards. Riana Amato received the $500 Best in Show scholarship for her piece “Just Dance.” Madison DiCarlo received a $250 Jurors’ Choice scholarship for “Beaded Sunset” on wet-felted wool, while Mary Brou received the second $250 Jurors’ Choice scholarship for her work, “Fluidity.”
A new “Degrees of Art” scholarship fund to support future Studio Art and VISTA majors and minors has been created as well. The exhibition is planned to occur quarterly, providing continued opportunities to celebrate student creativity and connect the university with the Ruston community.
