Events
Student Art on Display
RALEIGH, N.C. (April 14, 2025) – Wake Tech is celebrating some soon-to-be visual arts graduates with an inaugural juried exhibition showcasing their talents.
The exhibition, on display in Flavors, the college's student-run restaurant, features selected work by 15 Associate in Fine Arts Visual Art students graduating next month. A variety of media are represented, including photography, figure drawing, digital art, printmaking and sculpture.
An opening reception was held April 11, when student artists were recognized in front of program leaders, family and friends. The event was a partnership with the Culinary Arts department, whose students prepared and served a variety of sweet and savory bites. Melania Aguirre-Rabon, department head of Foreign Languages and Fine Arts, expressed her gratitude for the support of Chef Aaron Stumb, department head of Culinary Arts, which helped make the formal exhibition a reality this year.
"We have other opportunities where all student artwork is showcased and displayed, but this formal exhibition is different because the art included was selected by art faculty jurors," Aguirre-Rabon said.
The juried exhibition is a great learning experience that gives visual arts students the opportunity to learn the process of how to prepare and get their work chosen for formal showcase, she said.
"They learn how to select their best piece, take high-quality photographs of their work, prepare their artwork for display and write a strong artist statement," she said. "It's also important for them to have the courage and confidence to submit their work for exhibitions knowing there's a chance that they may not be selected. It's hard for them to take that risk, but in the real world, that's what happens."
Ezra Mainwaring has three works featured in the exhibition.
"It's incredible to think about my artwork being put in front of so many people and on display here. Looking at all the other artwork here makes me really excited to be part of this talented graduating class. It's really amazing and motivating."
Mainwaring is transferring to Meredith College with a scholarship this fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in studio art.
"At Wake Tech, I've met so many incredible professors who really care about the work they are doing, and that is very inspiring," Mainwaring said. "I wasn't the best student when I started, so I worked really hard to keep my grades up and have come so far. I had so many people helping me along the way. I love Wake Tech so much!"
Gerry Lumbreras enjoyed the opening reception with his family, who were the inspiration for his mixed media piece that features the hand prints of his four young children.
"Wake Tech has really been a family that I didn't know I needed,” he said. "We have all supported each other along the way. Even tonight, some of the students came to show their support, even though their work wasn't chosen. The people are what made this such a great experience."
The Visual Arts Exhibition is open for viewing on Thursdays and Fridays in Flavors through April 30. Flavors is located in Building L on the Southern Wake Campus.
