In Moudy Gallery’s third all-illustration show, students’ work will take the spotlight for the first time.

Charles Varner, adjunct illustration professor and show curator, said in the 40 years he has taught at TCU on and off, the university seemed to have more illustration talent than ever before.

“This just seemed like a perfect time to showcase some of that talent,” he said. 

Varner said he had been working with Moudy Gallery, the TCU art gallery used for various student and professional exhibits, for the past year to find a time to do the show. He finally received word of an opening six weeks ago, he said.

“We’re kind of putting it together very quickly, but I think it’s going to be a great show nevertheless,” Varner said.

Varner has invited all students enrolled in the illustration class since 2009 to submit a piece of artwork. The show will be a chance for the university and the general public to see the talent students have and explore the world of illustration, he said.

“There’s everything from pencil to computer art,” Varner said. “There will be a wide range representing the illustration style.”

Junior fashion merchandising major Marlo Greta said she looked forward to the opportunity to share her art in a gallery setting. 

“I’ve always produced a lot of work, but I’ve never gotten to show anyone or really put anything on display,” Greta said. “I really want people to see my works, and it means a lot to me. People don’t really know what goes into creating such a huge piece of artwork.”

Varner selected one of Greta’s pieces to use for the advertising poster.

Pieces in the show will vary in subject matter and the medium used, he said. And, because the show does not have a set theme, the students will have the opportunity to display very different pieces within the little-known genre of illustration, Varner said.

“It’s a way of expressing their talents and showing their abilities in the field of illustration, which is kind of overlooked and underappreciated,” Varner said. “There’s going to be some really interesting images, some really powerful images and some funny images — the sort of things you probably don’t normally see in the Moudy Gallery.”

Ryan Harvey, a junior graphic design major, said he saw the show as a great chance for other people to see his work and to gain more experience.

“It’s really the first time that this department has ever tried to push for its own show,” Harvey said. “I thought it would be interesting to be a part of that, just good exposure and experience.” 

In addition to student illustrations, Varner and the four adjunct illustration professors each submitted their own illustration pieces.

Varner said he had high expectations for the show and hoped to continue working with Moudy Gallery to facilitate more illustration shows in the future.

“A lot of times these people work quietly, and their work is never seen,” Varner said. “I think that’s my biggest expectation — to let these people show their work in a showcase situation. I think beyond that I have the expectation that it will help enable them as illustrators to go on in the program. I hope this will be a real boost to their skills, their confidence level and even their careers.”

The Illustration Show
When:
February 6 –
Opening reception: 5-7 p.m.
February 6-24 –
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 1-4 p.m.
Where: The Moudy Gallery 
Cost of Admission: Free