Three students in the Rowan Cabbarus Community College arts program were awarded Looking Glass Artist of the Future awards. Abstract expressionist and sculpture artist Paul Thompson, and photographers Alexandra Jowers and Adam Cable received the award at the third annual Rowan Arts Council RCCC Art Exhibition in November.
The public is invited to meet these artists and see their works at the opening for the Looking Glass Student Artist Exhibitionó”The Future of Art” 6-8 p.m. this Friday at the Looking Glass Artist Collective gallery, 405-407 N. Lee St., in the Rail Walk arts district.
The artists will be on hand to discuss their works and their plans for the future. All work is for sale.
The exhibit will remain on display throughout the month of February. The gallery is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., during special events at the collective and by appointment.
The Looking Glass Artist of the Future Award provides the artists with a chance to plan, hang, publicize and show their works in a well lit gallery space. Though some of the Looking Glass Artist Collective are supporting them and working with the artists, the show is produced and managed by the the young artists.
Cable says of his work, “I feel the future of art will deeply explore the concept of ‘reality.’ Artists will question what is real, what is virtual, and the implications of the two interacting. With the advent and perhaps over-saturation of digital technology, this is a topic that affects everyone.
“For this exhibition I will utilize a variety of mediums, both digital and physical, and hope the viewer will question and come closer to understanding their place in an ever-evolving world.”
Jowers’ art work is based on her curiosity of the light space her mind sees through the lens of a camera. Both Cable and Jowers take full advantage of the possibilities of expanding their work through computer software and techniques available.
Thompson describes himself as an abstract expressionist with a focus on mixed media, but he also has an interest in metal sculpture, pottery and glass art.
His future plans are to obtain a master’s in fine art and psychology, and practice art therapy or teach art. He would also like to run a gallery geared toward student artists.
In addition to the RCCC artists’ exhibition, there is also a display of art and photography honoring Black History month, featuring works by James Donaldson, Jimmy Alston and Boyd Smith.
For more information about the RCCC exhibition, contact Sue Davis, 704-279-8542. For more information about the Looking Glass Artist Collective Gallery, contact Curator Stephen Davis, 704-960-6594 or salisburyartists@gmail.com.