OCTC Student Art Exhibits, Jereal McKenzie and JC White

AFA Exhibition, Dayman Gallery, through November 20

by Bernie Hale

Owensboro, KY (10/29/2020) — An exhibition of artworks by Owensboro Community & Technical College students Jereal McKenzie and JC White are currently on display in the Dayman Gallery. The exhibition runs through November 20, 2020. Both McKenzie and White are December candidates for an Associate in Fine Arts degree in the area of Visual Arts. The exhibit includes works completed during their course of study at OCTC.

In describing his art McKenzie states, "I make art because it was given to me...meaning during the passing of my dad back in 2013 and going through two ACL surgeries in my left knee right after playing football, I no longer had interest in sports. I then turned my head in a new direction and that was making art. I make art because it is a way of escaping reality, and it is a way to express who you are as a person."

McKenzie uses bright colors and often pulls you in with his use of contrast. When asked about the works in the exhibit he added, "When you look at my artwork in this gallery, there are only a few pieces that show who I am as a person, who I am as an artist, and what I am interested in. Those artworks are: My Year of 2020, Jacob & Co Five Time Zone, and Ruby Oval Cut."

In describing his art White states, "I am an artist and have been creating art in some form since 1968. Not having any formal art training led me to this campus and curriculum, equipping me with even more tools to enhance my skills. The themes in my work always return to the land, sea and water. I enjoy learning new aspects to this skill and will be creating and teaching in my own studio for many years to come. I use the medium that speaks the most to me for the current work. My audience is made up of other artists and friends in my local community. I enjoy teaching and helping others create. I believe that art has a strong rehabilitative effect and want to use this to provide a clean, comfortable space for this wonderful thing to happen in."

White's work is varied, and he adapts to alternate mediums with ease. Reflecting on the works in the exhibit he commented, "My strengths as an artist are my willingness to adapt to change, work under pressure, and motivate others towards success in their art endeavors. Enthusiasm pervades every corner of my studio."

The Dayman Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of the Learning Resource Center on OCTC's main campus at 4800 New Hartford Road. Gallery hours are limited due to current health restrictions, and all visitors must wear a mask and participate in a healthy check-in. Off campus visitors are encouraged to arrange their visit please contact davidd.wilson@kctcs.edu for more information. For information about the exhibit or the Visual Arts program please contact David Wilson at 270-686-4626.

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