By Katie Ramirez, '11

The artwork of four Carthage students will be featured in Racine's Northern Lights Gallery through March 7, in an exhibit organized by studio art major Stacey Rosenwinkel, '10.

The Carthage College Student Art Exhibition, titled "Carthage Stars," includes paintings, drawings and other two-dimensional pieces by Stacey and three of her fellow students: Jen Nichols, '10; Katie Ramirez, '11; and Sarah Starling, '11.

An opening reception was held Saturday, Feb. 27, at the gallery, located at 423 Main St. in Downtown Racine. Two exhibition awards will be given. Chet Griffith, artist and owner of Art Works in Kenosha, will award Best of Show. Attendees of the exhibition may vote for their favorite work; the winner will receive the People's Choice Award.

Art major gains experience

By Stacey Rosenwinkel, '10By Jen Nichols, '10

Stacey, a senior from Wheaton, Ill., works part-time as a gallery assistant at Northern Lights. This will be her fourth time curating an exhibit for the gallery. Last summer, as an intern, she planned the photography exhibit "My View of Things," featuring work by five regional photo artists. 

"It was the first project (gallery owners Jack and Pam Viroglio) had me do," Stacey says. "I did the advertising. I did the press releases. I interviewed local artists and chose which photographers to include in the show. I chose what pieces they submitted, and I was the judge. I had never done anything like that before, and it went great."

In July, Stacey curated an exhibition of work by oil painter Joan Stanich of Kenosha. In August, she organized an exhibit featuring Marian College Art Professor Anna Pagnucci.

A showcase of talents

Stacey approached the Viroglios in December about hosting a Carthage exhibition. "Jen Nichols, who is another artist in the show, came up with the idea," she says, adding that she was eager to coordinate another exhibit. "I want to go to graduate school for art administration. This is exactly what I want to be doing."

Says Jen: "I thought it would be a great way to combine Carthage students' work and the skills Stacey has acquired" working at the gallery.

"I am excited to see my peers exhibit their masterpieces," says Jen, a biology major who has taken two art class at Carthage. "(Art) has become a form of therapy and a way to unwind from the science part of my world," she says. "The girls whom I have painted alongside are so talented and love their art community, and this is shown through the pieces that they pour their hearts and souls into. It will be such a great experience to see their family and friends in an atmosphere where these artists are being honored for their talent."

A great opportunity

By Sarah Starling, '11

Katie Ramirez, '11, a studio art and graphic design major from Darien, Ill., will show three paintings and a drawing in "Carthage Stars." She said she is excited to hear feedback from people at Saturday's reception. "Even though you are your own worst critic, I am interested to hear what other people, artists or not, think about my work. ... I'm glad to get out in the public."

Sarah Starling, '11, a studio art and marketing major from Lake in the Hills, Ill., is also thrilled to be included. "This is my first big show," she says. "I wanted to do it for the experience, but also just to get my name out there. ... I'm always looking for ways to improve myself and I love getting feedback and suggestions from people."

The four artists hope to see professors and other Carthage students at Saturday's opening reception. "The four of us in the show have distinctly different styles, but they mesh well with each other," Sarah says. "It's going to be a great show."