UNCW student to showcase installation in Boseman Gallery

Junior Meredith Connelly's lifelong journey in the arts has led to her most recent installation, which will be put on display at the beginning of January in the Boseman Gallery.

25-year-old Connelly, double majoring in studio art and art history, has not always resided within the U.S. or followed a conventional pattern of living. At the age of 17, she moved to Paris by herself. 

"I spent many afternoons there just walking in various museums and looking at art," Connelly said. 

According to Connelly, her passion stems farther back than just her Parisian experience.  "Art has been a part of my entire life," Connelly said.

Connelly was "exposed to various materials and artistic outlets" at a young age. She recalls playing with "clay, stained glass, looms, pant and basket weaving," just to name a few. She expresses her thankfulness for having the opportunity to share these experiences with her siblings and admits she owes this all to her mother, who was also very creative.

"I suppose there was not one thing that sparked my interest in art. I think it is far more natural than that," Connelly said.

Prior to transferring to UNCW, Connelly attended Cape Fear Community College where she attained her associate's degree in art, and also completed an installation that was awarded Best in Show.

"That was the first installation I had done, and I really connected with the process," Connelly said.  "Sometimes artists can get lost in their inspiration and ideas, something I am guilty of myself.  With that being said, material, environment, and visual interaction captivate me." From "cracks in side-walks, cast shadows, and various textures," Connelly is constantly finding beauty and interest in the world.

According to Connelly, she finds it difficult to narrow down artists she admires, but she recalls one profound instance, which resulted in an enhanced appreciation for Eve Hesse. It was Connelly's first time viewing an installation sculpture.

"It was nothing more than a picture in a book," Connelly said. "I remember thinking to myself if I could make work that is half as evocative as hers, I will be a happy artist."

Connelly also attributes her involvement at UNCW from an orientation speech upon entering UNCW as a transfer student.  According to Connelly, she remembers the speaker as "passionate, someone who loved her job," and most importantly, "an individual that "impacted me in a huge way."  Connelly found the speaker after she concluded the speech in hopes of taking her up on the opportunity for guidance she offered to the students. The speaker she admired turned out to be Dr. Kemille Moore, dean of the University College and associate professor in art and art history.

"Moore cancelled her appointments for the day and helped me jump head-first into the arts," Connelly said.  "I took it as a sign, and it really changed my life in such a great way."

Currently, Connelly is involved in an internship at the Ann Flack Boseman Gallery for the 2009-10 school year.

"I have learned so much from this wonderful opportunity," Connelly said.  Although she is busy between school, internships, and being a mother of a 6-year-old, she still finds time for her artwork.

"Even if I am not physically making it, I am always thinking of it. It just runs through my head constantly," Connelly said.

Connelly's current project is titled "Where the Lines Cross." The installation is collaborative in that it is made possible by the participation and submissions of others to form a larger piece of art.  Connelly will put the art together once all submissions have been made.

"The collaborative idea of combining small works from individuals into one large installation will produce a very interesting sculpture and build a community among the participants," said Andi Steele, assistant professor for the department of art and art history.  "Meredith did a great job of setting parameters that will give the work unity, while allowing for individual variety. The whole project is very well thought out and the completed installation should be an exciting experience."

Connelly's installation will be displayed Jan. 4 through Feb. 4, 2010, with a reception open to the public Jan. 20. It will be located in the Boseman Gallery on the second floor of Fisher University Union.  Connelly is also partaking in her first solo show in February at the Edge of Urge boutique in downtown Wilmington. 

"Art has always been and will always be a driving force in my life," Connelly said.  "I don't think it has changed my life but rather kept it going. Everything I see impacts me in one way or another. I suppose art impacted me by giving me an avenue to impact others."