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Public exhibitions give Cumberlands art seniors hands-on experience presenting original work to campus and community audiences
University of the Cumberlands seniors Megan Reynolds, Madison Turner, Isabelle Roach, Kirstin Skidmore, Josie Thomas, Meagan Snodgrass, and Caroline Paul will present their work in a series of senior art exhibits at the Cumberlands art gallery, located on the first floor of the Luecker Building on the Williamsburg campus.
Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Exhibit Schedule and Reception Dates
- April 6-10: Megan Reynolds and Madison Turner
- Closing reception: April 10 from 5 to 6 p.m.
- April 13-17: Isabelle Roach, Kirstin Skidmore, and Josie Thomas
- Closing reception: April 14 from 4 to 6 p.m.
- April 20-24: Meagan Snodgrass and Caroline Paul
- Closing reception: April 21 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Student Artists and Featured Work
Megan Reynolds, a senior from Williamsburg, KY, will present work focused on self-portraiture and incidental images of friends in everyday moments.
“When creating portraits of people in the beginning, I was just trying to understand the figure,” explained Reynolds. “But I become more interested in the moments in life that feel like you just caught a glimpse of something that may not feel like much but can mean a whole lot more.”
Madison Turner, a senior from Lexington, KY, will display oil paintings that explore the warmth and comfort of family life through subdued, earthy tones.
“My oil paintings are designed to draw the viewers' attention to their muted and beautiful colors, offering an interesting perspective of people sitting on couches,” explained Turner. “I was inspired by the way my family makes me feel: the feeling of stillness, comfort, and company.”
Isabelle Roach, a senior from Stanford, KY, will showcase a vibrant collection of figurative characters.
“The pieces in my gallery have been created during times when I had nothing,” explained Roach. “I’ve created emotional pieces that bluntly use color to tell the story of my day-to-day emotions and struggles with CPTSP, depression, and anxiety.”
Kirstin Skidmore, a senior from Williamsburg, KY, will feature mixed-media works on raw canvas, incorporating fabric to create sculptural elements.
“I was largely inspired by nature and humanity,” explained Skidmore. “When viewers see my art, I hope they feel an affirming, grounded sensation; a calm urge to slow down and notice the small things.”
Josie Thomas, a senior from Libertyville, IL, will present digital works that explore fictional narratives influenced by film noir, graphic novels, and classic movie posters.
“My subjects are varied,” explained Thomas. “They range from real subjects to imaginative or abstract. This is most likely because my inspirations, Prince of Egypt, Bruce Timm's Batman, and Spider-Verse, were all examples of how we can push the boundaries of storytelling in animation. As a result, each piece was created from that same desire to experiment.”
Meagan Snodgrass, a senior from Kingsport, TN, will display paintings that merge the feminine form with natural elements through fluid, organic movement.
“I have spent two years allowing my emotions to dictate the flow of the organic shapes and the intentional structure of the artwork,” said Snodgrass. “I hope viewers can feel that emotion through each piece and possibly feel some of their own emotions after spending some time viewing them.”
Caroline Paul, a senior from Williamsburg, KY, will exhibit work reflecting on childhood through naturalistic and trompe-l’oeil imagery.
“I was inspired by the innocence of childhood and my admiration of the simplicity of life at that time,” explained Paul. “I hope viewers take away an appreciation for the creativity children bring to the table. Although their work can be overlooked, there is so much more than what initially meets the eye.”
Faculty Perspective and Student Experience
Professor Russell Weedman, department chair, expressed his pride in the students’ work.
“The Art Department is proud of the fine work these seniors have done in preparation for their exhibits and congratulate them on completing their major in art.”
At University of the Cumberlands, art is more than a pastime—it is a disciplined craft and a professional pursuit rooted in skill, vision, and purpose. Students receive comprehensive visual arts training, close mentorship, and hands-on education.
“Professor Weedman has not only expanded my art education, but he made extra time to guide me in the direction I needed for my future career,” Snodgrass said regarding the support she received during her time studying art at Cumberlands.
“I have grown tremendously as an artist thanks to Professor Weedman’s support. He always pushes me past my current skill levels and his passion for the arts inspires me to keep learning and succeeding.”
Learn More About the Art Program
To learn more about the Art Department at University of the Cumberlands, visit:
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