Student artists create capstone exhibition

Student artists create capstone exhibition

March 23, 2022 LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Nightingale Gallery at Eastern Oregon University presents “Sum and Substance,” the senior capstone exhibit of Sophia Aimone, Kim Baum and Dalton Mauzay. The exhibition opens Friday, April 1 with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery. The exhibit runs through April 29. 

“Sum and Substance” is the culmination of each artist’s academic journey toward developing their unique artistic voice as well as their own art practice, gallery director Cory Peeke said. 

“The exhibition will be the embodiment of the essential discoveries that the artists have made along the way by showcasing their most meaningful works,” Peeke said.

Abstract painter Sophia Aimone was born and raised in Central Oregon and is pursuing a degree in art. Aimone is the recipient of EOU art scholarships, including the George Nightingale Scholarship and the Joseph Dickerson Memorial Award.

Aimone’s art practice explores the interactions humans have through their daily lives and the interconnectedness that occurs as a result. Her work reflects upon the complexity of emotions that come with trying to connect with others. 

“Sophia’s paintings depict a web of anthropomorphized characters that wander around the surface, entangling themselves as they go,” Peeke said. “She paints in a super flat style with clinical precision and primarily uses a pastel color palette.” 

Kimberly Baum is a lifelong resident of La Grande, who plans to complete a degree in art with a minor in Theater Arts in June. Baum employs handicrafts associated with domesticity and femininity, such as sewing, embroidery, quilting and crochet in her art practice. 

She builds abstract soft sculptures of wool felt, assorted fabrics, wire, Poly-fil and found objects. 

“At first glance, Kimberly’s work invites curiosity and wonder with pleasing color palettes, toy-like forms and the softness of materials,” Peeke said. “However, mirroring the religious environment of her early life, the work becomes complicated and unsettling upon closer inspection. Kimberly’s sculptures are physical representations of her feelings surrounding the years she spent mired in toxic theology.”

Abstract artist, Dalton Mauzay, was born and raised in Cheney, Washington. Mauzay is pursuing a degree in art at EOU. In his most recent works he has embraced working in an expressive manner to dissect the human condition. 

Mauzay makes abstract nonrepresentational paintings. He primarily works with acrylic paint and collage materials like tape, wood, or cardboard. 

“His spontaneous way of creation creates intricate layers of paint, and colors, that invite the viewer to look more thoroughly,” Peeke said. “The various textures are used to enhance this experience and hopefully evoke a state of reflection on one’s reaction to the painting.” 

The Nightingale Gallery, located in Loso Hall, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, visit eou.edu/art or follow the Nightingale Gallery on Facebook and Instagram.

To request images of artwork for publication or to schedule an interview with the artists please contact Gallery Director Cory Peeke at cpeeke@eou.edu.