FHU Student Presents Painted Portraiture Exhibit

Kayla Stanz, Henderson, Tenn., is presenting her senior art exhibit “Soot and Stars” this week, March 5-9, at the Troy Plunk Art Gallery of the Bulliner-Clayton Visual Arts Center at Freed-Hardeman University. The opening reception and artist’s talk will be Thursday, March 8, at 5 p.m.

Stanz is a fine arts major with emphases in both studio art and graphic design and a minor in photography. Her decision to focus on artistic endeavors during college was a natural decision for her. “I have been in love with art in every form ever since I can remember. It means so much to me to be able to create something that makes a statement or that is visually stirring,” said Stanz.

Like many FHU art majors, preparing for her senior exhibit was a process that began when Stanz decided to major in art. Most of her pieces are painted portraitures that she worked on throughout her four painting classes. She works primarily with oil paint on canvas, but also strays into other media such as watercolor, pencil and charcoal.

“Soot and Stars” is a compilation of stories told through portraits. “I think that people are the most intriguing, captivating, interesting, and technically difficult subjects for art. Capturing human emotion and likeness in artwork is one of the most difficult and riveting things that I’ve ever attempted - and I love the challenge,” said Stanz. Her works are heavily inspired by music, pop culture, film and relationships.

After graduation Stanz plans to continue her current photography business and find a job in one of her three fields of study. She also hopes to become active in the art community and continue to create studio art in her spare time.