The A.D. Gallery at UNC Pembroke is showcasing the highly anticipated Spring 2025 Senior Capstone Exhibition, Reflections, from April 1 to April 25. The exhibition features the creative talents of senior art students, with a reception scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Locklear Hall.
The participating artists include Jayla D. Nelson, Sadie Outen, Makaylie Jacobs, Ashlyn Hughes, Chona Bullard, Devan Britt, Cheryse Edwards and Ray Eddy. Through diverse artistic approaches, these students present their unique perspectives on identity, culture and self-expression, using visual art as a powerful medium of reflection.
Exploring Identity Through Art
Art has long been a means of reflecting both personal and global themes, and Reflections continues this tradition by presenting a wide range of artistic visions. The exhibit challenges viewers to consider their own identities while immersing themselves in the artists' stories and creative journeys.
Devan Britt’s series delves into the emotional and physical connection between the artist and the creative process, blending illustration and text to evoke a sense of raw authenticity. Meanwhile, Makaylie Jacobs focuses on Native identity, memory and cultural preservation, using printmaking and mixed media to honor her heritage and ancestral roots.
Chona Bullard’s work highlights Indigenous identity through her Future Lumbee Leaders series, capturing the essence and personalities of her subjects. Ashlyn Hughes takes a more intimate approach, exploring the layers of femininity and girlhood. At the same time, Jayla Nelson’s paintings depict fictional characters shaped by the interpretations of various readers, leaving facial features intentionally ambiguous.
Confronting Societal Perspectives
Ray Eddy’s series examines identity through the lens of the body, challenging viewers to confront their perceptions of the human form and the male gaze. In contrast, Sadie Outen’s work tackles the emotional weight of addiction, portraying the complexity of suffering through small-scale mixed media drawings.
Cheryse Edwards completes the exhibition with a collection dedicated to mental health awareness. Her mixed media drawings serve as an artistic reflection of her personal experiences, offering insight into the often-overlooked struggles of living with mental health challenges.
The Reflections exhibition is open to the public and free of charge. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the creativity and insight of UNC Pembroke’s talented emerging artists. For more information, visit uncp.edu/departments/art or contact the A.D. Gallery at 910.521.6216.
