Join the Anna Maria College community as we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating art students. Starting on May 3 at the Art Center Gallery, Kaylah Brace, Audrey Gendall, and Mik Smith will present their works in Senior Art Exhibition 3. The opening reception will take place on May 3 from 5pm to 7pm. Learn more about our art students and the inspirations behind their senior art exhibitions.
Kaylah Brace
Hometown: Webster, MA
Major: Art Therapy
What is the inspiration behind your senior art exhibition work?
“Intimacy” is a collection of photographs I’ve taken this semester for my senior art exhibition, capturing the heartwarming connections that have shaped my life. Using both 35mm film and digital photography, I’ve focused on the tender moments shared between the people that I care about the most. This project overall has been an opportunity for self-discovery and artistic growth.
During a year filled with change, I’ve found comfort and inspiration in the relationships that have supported and uplifted me. Through photography, I’ve aimed to preserve and celebrate these bonds, showcasing what it means to be human. My hope is that “Intimacy” resonates with each viewer, encouraging reflection on their own relationships and the transformative power of love, warmth and connection. I have come to understand that in a world full of change, our shared connections are truly the most valuable treasures we have.
What is your favorite Anna Maria College memory?
My favorite Anna Maria College memory would have to be the connections I’ve shared with newfound friends. I have a history of car issues – it’s a bit of a long story – and they took me in when ol’ reliable (my car) was no longer reliable. Sharing that space with them meant so much to me that night and I hadn’t laughed that hard in a long while.
What are your plans after graduation?
Become a Bostonian, travel, create art… get the hell outta town!
Audrey Gendall
Hometown: Wilmington, MA
Major: Art Therapy
What is the inspiration behind your senior art exhibition work?
Childhood, family, and whimsical wonder. Some pieces you can see are very connected to the person it was created after while others are more subtle. After all, so many of my loved ones have helped me get to where I am today, whether it be helping me big or small.
What is your favorite Anna Maria College memory?
My favorite memory is laughing with friends at the dorms late at night.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m going to get some more practical field experience and then head off to graduate school for counseling!
Mik Smith
Hometown: South Berwick, Maine
Major: Art Therapy
What is the inspiration behind your senior art exhibition work?
My senior art exhibition is titled “HUMAN.” For the last decade, the bulk of the personal work that I have created in my own time has explored ideas of identity and persona. I am fascinated with what makes us who we are, and how we choose to display that to the world. I wanted my senior art exhibition to be a culmination of all my efforts and studies thus far, showing several bits and pieces accumulated to display one human experience- my own.
What is your favorite Anna Maria College memory?
I may be an art major on paper, but all of my favorite memories at Anna Maria College involve working and playing music with my friends in the music department. I will miss the cabarets and small ensemble concerts most of all.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans for the future thus far are returning to Maine and taking some time to breathe. I hope my fellow classmates will be able to take some time as well. We’ve worked hard and we deserve the chance to process what an accomplishment graduating is!
