Student Artists in the Spotlight

by Maritza Ortiz

Let’s be honest—college can feel like a never-ending cycle of assignments, exams,

caffeine, and the occasional existential crisis, or maybe that's just me. But every once in a while, something beautiful rises from the stress, whether you take these classes because you're an artist at heart or simply because they are required. Students at SWAU have the opportunity to express themselves through many different art classes taught on campus.

And on Thursday, April 17, at the Student Art Exhibit in Meadows Gallery. SWAU students turned the gallery into a colorful, moving celebration of resurrection—the perfect theme to land right before Easter weekend.

You’re probably asking yourself, “What was on display?"

Everything. No, really—everything.

There were paintings, poetry, ceramics, drawings, and probably a few tears

on the floor from how emotionally powerful some of the pieces were. Each creation was tied to the theme of “Resurrection,” and every student had their own take on it.

What makes these art pieces stand out wasn’t just the art—it was the artists. These were

students juggling class schedules, jobs, and maybe a few late-night fast food runs after class.

And they still managed to pour their hearts into these pieces.

If you’re wondering where all this talent comes from, SWAU’s art department deserves a

little spotlight of its own.

Here’s what they offer:

● Painting: Watercolor, acrylics, oil—you name it. Students learn to control color, mood,

and movement while figuring out their own style.

● Drawing: From basic sketching to detailed compositions, every pencil, crayon, marker,

and pastel stroke is well-tought out.

● Ceramics: Is students getting their hands dirty (literally) and learning to shape clay into

bowls, vases, sculptures, and whatever their imagination throws on the wheel.

• Poetry/Creative Writing: Not all artists work on canvas. Some write words that hit you

harder than a finals week deadline. By the way, that's where my existential crisis comes

in.

The best part? The department is small enough that students actually get time with professors

who know their names and can help with techniques and proofreading.

Oh, and it doesn’t stop there. Some of the standout student work from this semester was

featured at The Meyerson—SWAU’s annual donor and alumni event in Dallas.

Translation: students get to show their work in a fancy, real-world venue. It’s kind of like leveling up from classroom to gallery status. That’s a huge deal, especially for anyone looking to build their portfolio or say, “Yes, I have exhibited my work at a professional event, thank you very much.

”

Here’s the thing: the art wasn’t just pretty. It had meaning. It came from students who’ve lived

through struggles, doubts, healing, and joy—and who used creativity to express it all. That’s the magic of art. It lets you say something real, even when you don’t have the words, or in poetry's case, when you creatively have the words.

If you missed the exhibit this time, don’t worry. SWAU’s creative community isn’t going

anywhere. Next semester well have new artists with new art for us to view.

Because at the end of the day, SWAU students aren’t just earning grades—they’re creating

beauty, one brushstroke, line of verse, or lump of clay at a time.