Alumni fall art shows on two campuses

Several University of North Georgia alumnae will exhibit their work on the Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses in August and September. Aida Alarcon, '21; Juleah Everglade, '21; and Isabella Martino, '19, will be among the artists showing work on the Gainesville Campus. Brittany Fanning, ’14, is curating 20 pieces to be featured on the Dahlonega Campus.

Alarcon, Everglade and Martino created "How I See Her," an exhibition that Everglade envisioned.

"Juleah pitched the idea, inspired by how we see each other," Alarcon said. "Female friendships are so important because it feels like we can see each other in a way that we can’t see ourselves."

Everglade said that the three "see each other in a way that no one else does."

"We share this unique female friendship as roommates and artists. Artists see things differently. We had a natural interest to paint each other because it would be unique to paint each other at the same time, in the same space," she said. "We’re telling a unique story and from a unique perspective."

The concept was well-received by her fellow alumnae.

"We wanted to share this experience because we really don't see it happening anywhere. We’re sister soul friends," Martino said. "We wanted to go back to our alma mater. We live in this community. Local artists are so important because we get so much from the community, and this is our way of giving back."

This exhibition will be on view in the Roy C. Moore Art Gallery in the Performing Arts building at UNG's Gainesville Campus from Aug. 14 to Sept. 12 and viewing hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. There will be a free reception from 5-6 p.m. Sept. 5, and it is open to students, faculty, staff and community members.

Dahlonega native Fanning now lives in California and was inspired by Hollywood for her latest show.

"Brittany chose a very interesting theme: 'As the World Turns.' Inspired by the drama and enduring narratives of the classic soap opera 'As the World Turns,' this exhibition showcases art that embraces kitsch, melodrama and an intense theatricality reflective of the show’s style," Victoria Cooke, director of art galleries, said. "Additionally, the theme explores the broader human condition and our relentless advance through daily life amidst global chaos — war, pandemics, politics, and beyond."

The exhibition will be open from July 30 to Sept.13 in the Bob Owens Art Gallery in the Hoag Student Center at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. The gallery is open while Hoag is open: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 3-10 p.m. Sundays.

There will be a reception for this exhibition from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 in the Hoag Student Center Great Room. It is free, open to the public and an opportunity for alumni to meet current students, Cooke said.

"These exhibitions are also important for professional development for our new alums and a great way to reconnect for all of us. The receptions are an opportunity for our current students to talk to others who have gone through the UNG art programs and made that transition to professional artists. My hope is to have the program grow each year," Cooke said. 

The Best in Show winner is given a solo show in the Oconee Campus gallery, Cooke said.