BILLINGS, March 30, 2017—Rocky Mountain College’s Ryniker-Morrison Gallery will host the, “Senior Show,” from April 13 to May 6 in Tech Hall on the campus of RMC. An opening reception honoring the seniors will be held in the gallery on Thursday, April 13, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Discussions by the seniors on their installations will occur at noon on Tuesday, April 18. A closing reception for graduating seniors, their family, friends, and the public is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Three senior Art and Art Education majors will be featured in this year’s show: Ashley Kustka, Elyssa Leininger, and Abigail Rausch.

“Every year we feature the graduating seniors and their works, so every year is very different,” said Sally McIntosh, director of Ryniker-Morrison Gallery. “With differing degrees and aspirations after graduation, the three senior’s works couldn’t be more diverse,” McIntosh added.

Ashley Kustka, an Art Education and Reading major, who plans to teach art after graduation, said, “I want people to leave my show wanting to create. I want people to see they have creative potential, as do the materials at their fingertips - be they classic art materials or not.”

While Kustka’s art is very creative with a mash up of vibrant textile fabrics to create three-dimensional works, Elyssa Leininger’s focus is painting western-style art on canvas and on animal skulls and bones.

“There will be a slightly spiritual aspect to my senior show, tying together western-style art with my spiritual connection and respect for the animals that inhabit the American West,” said Elyssa Leininger. “When others view my work, I hope to share with them my passions and provide them with an insight into how I view and feel about the world.” After graduation, Leininger hopes to attend medical school and become a doctor who serves rural communities in Montana.

Add to that line-up Abigail Rausch’s work, which deals with motifs and elements impressed upon her from studying the classics. Rauch likes to incorporated items she has gathered on various road trips, vacations, and excursions, including river rock and bone.

“I have gathered all of these items from places that are meaningful to me, so I hope when people see my work they can see those elements individually and as a comprehensive piece,” Rausch said.  Elements and animals from nature are brought together to form three-dimensional mixed media and acrylic presentations.

“I hope they can appreciate the artistry of my creations,” Rausch said, who plans to pursue internships related to her political science degree after graduation.

Gallery hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.  During Commencement weekend, On May 5 and May 6, the gallery will be from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

--END--