Eastern Illinois University’s Tarble Arts Center opened its spring exhibition by featuring artwork of Eastern’s undergrad and graduate students from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. 

This event was free for all, showing a variety of paintings, sculptures and sketches with an award ceremony at the end. 

Junior studio art major Karina Warfel was there featuring her 3D art “Ode to my Family,” which was a miniature rocking chair covered with photos of her family. 

Warfel described her artwork as evoking a nostalgic feeling for her. 

“I really wanted to dedicate this to the generations that came together to create me,” said Warfel. “I also thought it was cool to go back to my old family pictures and reminisce about old memories. They influence a lot of my work.” 

Gallery • 5 Photos

Koria Downs

Junior art major Karina Warfel's work "Ode to my family" is dedicated to the generations that came before her, she said. The miniature rocking chair is covered in photos of Warfel's family.

Chloe Flanigan is a graduate student who also put a childhood touch to her art, which was a wall of charcoal paintings. 

“I grew up on a farm that’s been in my family for five generations, so they are a huge inspiration behind the figures.” Flanigan said. “But I would like to point out my mom because not only does she act like my manager, but she was the one that made the farm feel like home.” 

She also mentioned that her artwork took time, dedication and effort to have it displayed. 

“It’s a great experience for me. It’s one of those things where you have your work on the messy studio walls but seeing them nicely put up and in a professional manner,” she said. “You can’t really beat that.” 

Graduate student Pamela Zimmerman, whose work included “Portrait Studies of a Woman” and “Walk,” feels the same way. 

“I’m proud of myself. I think other people enjoy it,” said Zimmerman. “It feels so lovely to watch people enjoy your work that you spent hours on. That takes it outside of your yourself and make your art for everyone.” 

She also mentioned that she is a grad assistant at EIU and teaches art courses like introduction to art. 

“I always tell my students, ‘If you love something, such as art, make time for it,’” she said. 

Gallery • 5 Photos

Koria Down

Visitors view grad student Pamela Zimmerman's artwork "Portraits Studies of Women" at the Spring Exhibitions Opening Reception in the Tarble Arts Center.

There were also international graduate student artists like Rahima Mohammed from Ghana whose artwork was dresses. She had three dresses displayed named “Tradition Transformed II,” “Kaba-ne-Slit” and “Afro-Victorian.” 

“I took some inspiration from how Africans used to dress mixed with the Victorian era,” Mohammed said. “The goal was to make something that intersects both cultures.” 

Mohammed dreams of her designs helping her achieve more showcases in the future. 

“I dream to have my dresses on the runway in the future, especially at the Met Gala, hopefully being worn on a famous actress,” she said. 

The undergraduate awards ceremony was held in the middle of the showcase, giving awards to first place and honorable mentions in categories like sculpture and painting. Several of these awards came with scholarships as well. 

Art major Emily Bales won the best in show award for the work “Breakroom.”  

Koria Downs can be reached at 581-2812 or at kdowns@eiu.edu.