By: Shaylie Pickrell

On Wednesday, Oct. 5 a reception was held for the new exhibits in Hamersly Library. The exhibits are the collective work of current faculty, past faculty and alumni. The “Painting and Photography– A Friendship” exhibit has a collection of photographs done by Vincent Leandro, a former art student at Western, and a series of paintings inspired by his work done by Elaina La Boda Jamieson, a Western emeritus art professor.

They developed a friendship during his attendance at Western and it has lasted throughout the past 15 years. Seeing the artists together, you could feel the creative chemistry around them. Jamieson had struggled to complete three of the paintings before she had carpal tunnel surgery in April. The passion she expressed towards her paintings was incredible and added meaning behind the exhibit and their relationship.

The Earth science exhibit was not shy of passion either. The exhibit is a collection of work done by professors and alumni in the earth science department during the process of project-based learning, research and community service. Dr. Taylor, one of the professors who put the exhibit together, spoke with a heartwarming sense of nostalgia as he explained that the collective work, over the past 20 years, has meant so much to him and the Earth science department.

All the time and effort put into the research is the result of the meaningful relationships that were developed during these project-based learning experiences. To him, nothing will be as powerful as watching his students succeed in their endeavors, especially a former student, Beeb, who has now become a faculty member in the Earth science department. The exhibits not only display impressive works of art and detailed collections of research, but convey an underlying sense of pride and accomplishment. The exhibit will be open until Dec. 9.

Contact the author at spickrell15@mail.wou.edu