Vivid and detailed works of alumni art filled the William Whipple Art Gallery during October  4th through the 31st. The gallery featured the SMSU Alumni Art Exhibit.

With 12 exhibits in a typical year for the William Whipple Art Gallery, the alumni shows display appreciation of past students’ work. The gallery is overseen by SMSU Professor Emeritus of Art, Edward Evans, who taught at SMSU from 1969-2002.

“This year’s invited artists have been working for a long time,” said Evans. “Most of them are so self-motivated that they claim to be addicted. They create art because they cannot help it.”

The gallery’s featured alumni artists are Cat Abbott, Jerry Bachman, Glendalynn Bennett Beauzay, Micah Bloom, James E. Dahl, Galen McCarthy, Tami Montgomery, Jay Kyle Peterson, and Bonne Van Moorlehem.

“All of these artists work in isolation, sheltered from the big art centers of the world,” said Evans. “To continue producing art year after year in this situation is the hardest thing there is.”

Walking into the exhibit, artwork such as Jerry Bachman’s vibrant Sleeping Muse Dream and Tami Montgomery’s striking Wine Bottle Still Life #2 are proudly displayed.

“Most of the exhibiting people have unique styles that distinguish them from other artists,” said Evans.

Evans helped bring an art gallery to SMSU many years ago. The gallery has hosted alumni art in past years, this year being no exception. With the exhibit wrapping up, Evans shares his thoughts on the show.

“The overall variety and the creativity of the art is good,” said Evans. “These artists sincerely achieved their styes through much work. Nothing is slick or easy. Many of the works are precisely crafted.”