First of two Senior Art Capstone exhibitions open April 17–27

Works by graduating Art students at McDaniel College are highlighted in two Senior Capstone Exhibitions. Both exhibitions take place in Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall, and feature a variety of media, from traditional two- and three-dimensional works to digital and new media.

“HeadSPACE,” the first Senior Capstone exhibition, runs April 17–27, with an opening reception April 17 at 5:30–7:30 p.m., including a gallery talk at 6 p.m. Students showcasing their works are Amitis Aidun of Gaithersburg, Md., Kristopher Orth of Taneytown, Md., Morgan Shugars of Royal Oak, Md., Leah Sparks of Lawrence, Mass., and Monique Staveley of Sykesville, Md.

• Amitis Aidun’s work reflects the “therapeutic power of art” and “gives the impression of what it feels like living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”

• Kristopher Orth’s drawings are influenced by High Renaissance painters, such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and Raphael.

• Morgan Shugars says his fascination with art began with graphic design “because of how simple, yet creative it can be and how it is seen in every single product.”

• Leah Sparks explores her identity as a female of Puerto Rican descent, specifically the Taino tribe, and says that her work “aims to convey an admiration for bodies that are not generally celebrated; those that are curvy, thick and belong to women who are minorities.”

• Monique Staveley’s pen and ink drawings separated with panels tell the story of a college-age girl getting through menial tasks that turn into larger-than-life problems.

The exhibition and reception is free and open to the public. Rice Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, noon–4 p.m., and Saturday, noon–5 p.m. Call 410-857-2595 for more information.