A photography exhibition entitled “SEEN/UNSEEN,” which features artwork by NMU art and design students, is on public display at the Marquette Arts and Culture Center (MACC) in the basement of the Peter White Public Library now until March 31.

The exhibition called for entries from NMU students who had completed 300-level photography classes or higher. Art and design professors Emily Lanctot and Tracy Wascom, and local artist and photographer Lali Khalid juried the selection process. The final artworks chosen focus on themes such as identity, mental health and urban and rural landscapes.

Students enrolled in the senior art seminar course collaborated on the design and theme of the exhibition. They are working together to advertise the show and to plan the closing reception.
Christina Pollard, a senior graphic design major, submitted a few pieces, one of which was chosen for the show. Although her artwork has been in previous shows at Bay College, this was her first time having her photos featured in a Marquette art show. Her black and white portrait explores an emotional theme, which fits well into the “SEEN/UNSEEN” exhibit.

“My piece, ‘Despondency,’ captures the experience of loss, whether it is loss of hope, loss from a death or loss of disconnection with oneself and the world,” Pollard explained, adding,“This show is important to me because I get to share and connect with the community through something I am passionate about.”

There will be a closing reception open to the public from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 29 in the MACC. During the event, the submitted artwork that was not chosen to be hung in the gallery will also get a chance to be viewed: the photos will be playing on a slide show.