The Gallery in the Greenly Center showcases new student art throughout the year. This spring, the gallery features several unique pieces, including a skillfully welded, life-size pair of pink tulips by Sam Malone, prints and paintings from various students, and a thought-provoking piece by Mackenzie Siliekus that combines lingerie, a handmade masquerade mask and silhouette photography. Siliekus states, “In my work, I explore the tension between femininity, self-expression, and the discomfort of unwanted attention.”

One piece brings a distinctive touch to the gallery this season. Shanna Terry, a junior art major at Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg campus, introduces fashion to the art gallery with an eye-catching two-piece set displayed on a mannequin. Terry also exhibits a handmade tapestry made of organic fabric and prints from campus leaves.

While fashion plays a major role in the art scene, it’s rarely associated with student art, making Terry’s piece unique. The fashion piece features beachy, bright designs with flowy fabrics and airy silhouettes. She incorporates vibrant oranges and pinks, drawing inspiration from the beach, early 2000s aesthetic and a trip to Ibiza. Terry explains she created the piece to launch her own brand, saying, “And I thought, might as well try it now.”

Terry describes the challenging yet rewarding experience of being a student artist. “You put so much time and effort into your craft,” she says, noting that the piece required 25 hours to complete. She praises the art department’s sense of community and friendships, along with opportunities for peer feedback that help students develop as creators. Terry concludes, “At the end, you have this incredible piece to sit back and look at.”