Pottery, paintings and digital images comprise the impressive UTM Faculty Art Exhibit that opened Tues., Nov. 30, in the Fine Arts Building, giving hope and insight to students, not by telling, but by showing.

“They are professionals at what they do,” said Elizabeth Smith a Music Major junior. “It gives students a chance to see it against the student art, to see how much talent the student has and to see where they are. This looks like something out of a museum.” When asked what her favorite piece was, Smith said, “I liked the biggest tree. It’s where I’d like to be; a peaceful place to be.” The biggest tree that Smith was referring to was a tree in the Tree Series by Diane Shaw.

The Faculty Art Exhibit showcases a great variety of works, displaying the many talents of the UTM faculty in a wide range of mediums such as pottery, water color, colored pencils, acrylic paint and digital as well as many other forms.

“I really like it a lot,” said Megan Bean, a Music Major junior. “The first thing I notice is that it is less disturbing. You can see the professionalism.” When asked which was her favorite, Bean said, “The second tree. It’s going somewhere out of here. It kind of looks like it’s moving.” When asked if she would like to see more faculty art exhibits, Bean said, “Definitely yes. It’s the same for Music majors. When the faculty have recitals, there is always a bigger turn out.” Then Bean added, tongue in cheek, “We want to see if they screw up, too.”

When asked if she liked the show, Rachel Touchton, a Music major junior, said, “I really do. I actually liked to see the pottery.” When asked which was her favorite, she pointed out the Bottle Stoneware. “Just the color of it, dripping down. It’s amazing that you can make glaze look like that. I don’t know many of the art teachers, so it gives you a chance to see some of the faculty art. It’s a different perspective.”

All students that were interviewed agreed that they would like to see more faculty art exhibits, if the faculty are willing to do it. Students agreed that it gives students a professional perspective and the heights they can strive to achieve.

Faculty works showcased include David McBeth, Professor of Art, Lane Last, Assistant Professor of Art, Dr. Carol Eckert, Assistant Professor of Art and Diane Shaw, Instructor of Art. The show will be on display in the Fine Arts building gallery until Dec. 16.