By: Patrick E. Phillips ~Arts & Entertainment Editor~

The Xavier University Department of Art is preparing the first set of art major thesis exhibitions for the Spring semester.

These displays showcase the culmination of senior art majors’ work. It gives them the freedom to utilize their acquired artistic skills throughout their four years for a unique, creative display.

The first group show features students Catherine Maroney, Katherine Colborn, Isabel Aguila and Thomas Rallis. Each of their exhibitions has a specific concept.

Aguila’s series, “Contorted Nature” focuses on her experience with scoliosis. “I want people to fully grasp my experience as well as their connection to it through my pieces,” Aguila said.

Maroney’s “Beauties of the Water” combines her views of the human body and nature. Her exhibition includes unique sculptures of the human body infused with coral and other undersea plant-life.

“This exhibition is just a different experience. I hope that students come and realize the work we put into our exhibitions and understand the number of hours art majors have to put into their work,” Maroney said.

Colborn’s “Creators & Cultivators: A Daily Ritual” focuses on the divine presence within daily moments in life. Her display includes pastel drawings and lithographs prints. “I definitely made an effort in my work to honor and dignify the labor of routine activity. “I think my work opens the space for an awareness to those fleeting instances we often overlook,”Colborn said.

Thomas Rallis’ concept consisting of multiple paintings focuses on “Ascension.” The students’ work will be on display March 21 to April 5 in the Xavier University Art Gallery.

There will be a reception with the artists from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 21 at the gallery’s opening.