Students present paintings, drawings, sculpture, mixed media through Jan. 31

North Central College presents the creative artwork of seniors Liz Havenga and Drew French in “Organic Anomalies,” through Jan. 31.

“Organic Anomalies” showcases paintings, drawings, sculpture and mixed media that draw inspiration from the sublime potential of nature, which can often overwhelm or deviate from expectations of how it should act.

The free exhibit is open to the public and on display through Jan. 31 in the College’s Meiley-Swallow Hall Gallery, 31 S. Ellsworth St. Meet the artists during a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, in the gallery; light refreshments will be served.

Havenga, a resident of Downers Grove and major in studio art, focuses on capturing the essence of natural phenomena through her artistic process. “Change happens constantly just as in nature,” says Havenga, and it’s this relentless evolution in nature that is evident in her work. She puts an emphasis on letting the work guide her to a final product rather than forcing an end vision to the paper or canvas. This process is consistent with the idea that it’s nature, not us, that has control in the end.

French, a resident of Sugar Grove and double major in studio art and marketing, is interested in the magnificent power of nature and how society may look when subjected to this terrifying but beautiful force. He says, “There’s something so frightening yet awesome about nature’s brief moments of power over us.” Through his strong use of color and shape, he seeks to evoke that helpless feeling and facilitate an individually unique experience with the work.

Christine Rabenold, assistant professor of art, is faculty advisor for the exhibit. For more information about the exhibit or gallery hours, contact Rabenold at 630-637-5543 or cmrabenold@noctrl.edu.

Art students at North Central College learn traditional and contemporary media; engage in analytical, critical and abstract thinking; and learn to communicate ideas visually. Students attend gallery and museum openings and exhibits in Naperville and Chicago, meet visiting artists, enter juried exhibitions and gain an academic foundation for graduate study in studio art, art education, art history, art therapy, arts administration, art criticism and visual communications. Visit northcentralcollege.edu/majors/art to learn more about North Central’s art program.