Department of Art

Haley Aho, Mary E. Baker, Kaitlyn Blaha, Alex Fischer and Donna Ronyak Senior Thesis Exhibitions

EXHIBITIONS:

Chesed by Haley Aho
Lens of Light by Mary Baker
She Believed She Could, So She Did by Kaitlyn Blaha
Solace Records by Alex Fischer
Piecing Myself Together by Donna Ronyak

XAVIER UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY: March 15 – April 5, 2024

ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: Friday, March 15, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

GALLERY HOURS: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and by appointment

Xavier University and the Department of Art are pleased to announce thesis exhibitions by five senior art majors -Haley Aho, Graphic Design; Mary E. Baker, Graphic Design; Kaitlyn Blaha, Graphic Design; Alex Fischer, Graphic Design; and Donna Ronyak, Sculpture. The exhibitions will be displayed March 15-April 5, 2024.

Haley Aho presents, Chesed, an exhibition that aims to confront the disconnect that often exists between the human experience and the divine realm. Through her art, Haley seeks to bridge this gap, demonstrating that even the most revered figures are fundamentally human.

Mary E. Baker presents, Lens of Light. In her exhibition, Baker delves into the realms of imagination with a series of mesmerizing artworks that transport viewers to ethereal landscapes and fantastical characters. Through her unique artistic vision, she invites audiences to explore the boundless possibilities of the mind, where reality intertwines with fantasy, and the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary.

Kaitlyn Blaha presents, She Believed She Could, So She Did, an exhibition that celebrates the unique perspectives that arise from living with a learning disability. Through interactive games and expressive art, viewers are invited to step into the shoes of those with learning differences, fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diverse perspectives. By challenging misconceptions and celebrating the unique strengths that arise from living with a learning disability, this exhibition transcends mere representation, serving as a testament to the transformative power of art and the human spirit.

Alex Fischer presents, Solace Records, an exhibition that explores the relationship between music and memory. Through the transformation of the Art Gallery into a record store, he provides a visual of the blend of his own experiences with the musicians that have influenced his life.

Donna Ronyak presents, Piecing Myself Together. For the past six months, the artist collected 730 pill bottles from friends, family, nursing homes, and churches. These represent a fraction of how many other lives are affected by medications.  She creates an environment that represents the intense mental and physical pain she feels but cannot explain and supports communication through emotions and feelings.

Please join us for the artists’ reception, Friday, March 15, 5:00-7:00 p.m.