The newest art exhibit at The University of Texas at Arlington showcases the work of graduating seniors from the Department of Art and Art History.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition at The Gallery at UTA features the work of 32 students, demonstrating a wide variety of skills in concentrations including painting, drawing, sculpture, glass, clay, film/video, photography and visual communication design.

Senior Madeline Ortega says her professors challenged her throughout her time at UTA to create art that is sophisticated and thoughtful.

“I started this series, as shown in the exhibition, because it speaks about my heritage and personal life,” Ortega said. “I am proud to have created work that is so meaningful to me and my family. It incorporates my love of nature through imagery of industrial elements, which stem from my practices in glass and metals.”

Benito Huerta, professor and director of The Gallery at UTA, said he is proud of the graduating students’ capstone exhibition, as it is a culmination of four years of study within the Art and Art History Department. With a growing reputation as a center of creative and academic excellence in Texas, the department and its faculty provide a rich and varied educational environment for the study and practice of art.

“It is important to showcase the best of what the students have created in their last year, and this exhibit in The Gallery at UTA is a great opportunity for families, friends and the community to see what our students have done during their time here,” Huerta said.

Celeste Jessie said UTA has helped her become more driven and purposeful in her work.

“Creating art is real labor, but I can get up to work on a piece at 8 a.m. and work until 8 p.m., and I won't have noticed the time slip by,” Jessie said. “I enjoy every minute of it. I feel like myself when I create art, like I can provide something that didn't exist before.”

The exhibition is free and open to the public. The Gallery at UTA is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. on the first floor of the Fine Arts Building.

The graduating students are among more than 5,200 graduation candidates expected to receive degrees this week during commencement ceremonies from Dec. 12-14 at College Park Center.