A mixed media piece made of found objects titled “What’s Still Visible” by senior Carie Koscielny is seen.

MARQUETTE — Acrylic paintings, photographs, digital cinema, sculptures, woodworking — a variety of colorful and intriguing art pieces are on display in Northern Michigan University’s DeVos Art Museum for this year’s Fall 2019 Senior Exhibition, which showcases the work of graduating seniors.

The exhibit offers a learning opportunity for students, said Rachel Fugate, collections curator at the museum. Students must create complete pieces, install them in the museum and are given the option to sell their work, which is an experience they may not get in a traditional classroom setting, she added.

“It’s a chance for them to get a better feel for what it’s like to be an exhibiting artist, which some of them may continue on to do,” Fugate said. “It also gives them the opportunity, if they want, to go work in a gallery or museum. That’s a skill set then they have to tell future employers about.”

The exhibition is also a chance for the public to gain a better understanding of NMU’s Art and Design Department, she said.

“They can not only learn about what classes, what majors are offered here and really see the kind of breadth of possibility that our students are capable and willing to create and install, but also it’s a great way to engage ourselves with the community,” Fugate said. “It’s a great learning opportunity to be inspired really.”

She hopes the “non-traditional” work created by the students inspires other artists and sparks conversation.

“They’re great works to have a conversation about, engage with the idea of what is art and what practice and skill set is needed to create something like this and why we have it in the gallery,” Fugate added.

The senior exhibition is on display now until Dec. 13. A closing reception will be held on the final day from 7-9 p.m. at the museum with awards announced at 8 p.m. The event and museum are open to the public.

The DeVos Art Museum is closed Mondays and open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Trinity Carey can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is tcarey@miningjournal.net.