Art is not canceled. The Shippensburg University spring Senior Art Exhibit will go on with a twist this year. While current circumstances prohibit an in-person exhibit, that isn’t stopping graduating seniors from displaying their hard work.

Students created pieces all year long as part of the Art and Design Department’s capstone course Art 385: Art Seminar. The art and design faculty select each piece to be showcased in the exhibition, which is housed on artcall.org, a website used previously to share other exhibitions.

Providing this alternative virtual option is important to seniors who have worked up to this moment all year. Some students were admittedly nervous upon hearing about the new method, but it also brought a sense of relief that their work would still be recognized. They could handle the challenge.

“Creating my work has been a trial and error process,” said senior Isabella Weigel, “Trying new ideas and taking chances have helped me to create my final pieces.”

The senior art exhibit pushes seniors to challenge themselves and present the hard work and skills they’ve learned, especially in times like these. “This time that we are in right now, is the ultimate test for us all,” said senior Natasha Windom-West.

For some, the virtual exhibition altered their ideas and the execution of their pieces. Windom-West struggled with the idea of her theme since hers was an installation, but knew her way would be special. “I knew it was important for me to stay true to myself and execute my exhibit the way I had intended to because it would mean more.”

Senior Jordan Bartok didn’t need to change his project. He chose graphic design as his medium and was able to finish his work without limiting his creativity.

The senior art exhibition represents more than the end of their college career. These graduates get to showcase their skills and get practical experience that can lead to future opportunities.

“This is something that we could put on our resume and as a reference for a job,” Bartok said. “It’s also a way to get your work out there to employers or potential clients.”

The exhibition is available online from May 1 through June 1, and can be viewed at Artcall.org.