ELKINS – Artwork created by more than 40 Davis & Elkins College students will grace the Randolph County Community Arts Center throughout February. The annual D&E Student Art Show will open with a public reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1.

The 60-plus piece exhibit consists of paintings, prints, ceramics and sculptures made by art majors and minors, as well as students enrolled in various art classes. Some of the works are for sale.

“We feel we have a strong showing where the students rose to the occasion and pushed the bar upward to create an exceptional show of work,” said D&E Assistant Professor of Art Kevin M. Woodcock. “Associate Professor of Art Michael Doig and I are really proud to be working with these students and guiding them when needed. We love to see when a student creates a work of art that they never thought they were capable of making, and witnessing that feeling of accomplishment that they can only get when they don’t give up and persevere to work through the hard moments.”

The art program at Davis & Elkins College provides a basic background in art, problem solving and the creative process to all students. Students develop an understanding of complex and sophisticated visual language, and are prepared for a professional career in art, teaching art and/or graduate study. Students majoring in art are encouraged to explore their own artistic interests, while working to understand both traditional and contemporary foundations of art-making.

The art curriculum is designed to introduce students to the world of art and aesthetics, and guide them through intensive study of the arts, design, art history and art theory.

Studio art courses provide in-depth study in selective media, techniques and processes that engage students in analytical and creative thinking. Art history courses give students the opportunity to develop their abilities to understand intention, meaning and human expression while studying art and art making throughout time and across cultures.