Perpich Studio Arts Department presents “Senior Capstone Exhibition 2025”

March 7, 2025

Perpich Studio Arts Seniors presented “Capstone Exhibition” on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The exhibition is showing in the Upper Gallery through April 6, 2025.

Capstone gives artists of both Visual Arts and Media Arts the opportunity to devote themselves to a long term, sustained, multi-week project with the goal of showcasing individual and personal artistic endeavors including skill development, refined techniques, medium explorations, and overall risk taking that highlights students interests and growth. The Capstone Gallery Exhibition is entirely student-driven, beginning with original concept brainstorming; stamina building as a studio artist in creating and critiquing artwork; collaborating with visiting designer to create marketing materials; repairing, prepping, and laying out their physical gallery space; installing work; marketing; committee duties for opening night; and removing and repairing of individual exhibition space.

In the exhibition statement, the students said, “The Senior Capstone Exhibition of 2025 is an extensive show that displays work from all Visual and Media Arts seniors at Perpich. From kitchens to animation, sculpture to screen printing, this show utilizes a wide variety of mediums. Students have created one if not multiple pieces for this show over their quarter three class to showcase their point of view, growth as individual artists and people, and their conceptual undertakings. Every student in this show has worked hard to create their final gallery installation at Perpich and we could not be more proud of our classmates for this great accomplishment.”

Capstone students and their instructors gather in the Upper Gallery prior to their exhibition opening on March 6, 2025

Shelby Whaley (Visual Arts 2025) said, “I don’t think I would have ever been able to create a capstone piece I loved without the help of my friends and family supporting me when it got stressful and all the teachers that helped me make my project possible.”

Julia Uhlenkamp (Visual Arts 2025) said, “Capstone was a great opportunity for me to express my artistic journey and what motivates me to continue creating.”

Q Halsch (Visual Arts 2025) said, “I think we attribute too many of our emotions and experiences to our heart alone. We should give the rest of our body the credit it deserves, and our hearts a break from the spotlight.”

Ari LaPoint (Visual Arts 2025) said, “The weeks I spent making this was the same time I spent alone and with my close friends. It was fun to learn about the project, my friends, and myself!”

“The other Capstone teachers and I are so incredibly proud of the effort, growth, and follow through of our Seniors,” said Kathryn D’Elia, Studio Arts Chair and Visual Arts Instructor. “They tackled a wide range of themes, researched their topics, completed elaborate planning for their spaces, and ‘made it work’ through their challenges and necessary pivots. The turn out and energy of the exhibition were phenomenal! This is routinely the show that I think is a must see, and this year was no exception!”

Congratulations to all the students, and their instructors, on a powerful and impressive exhibition!