Gallery r Hosts Fine Arts Studio Senior Exhibit May 3–19

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“Striped/Stripped” watercolor painting on decorative paper by Courtney Koslof

Artistic expression, realism and fantasy are tools of the trade for students studying fine art at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Gallery r, 100 College Ave., invites the Rochester community to the “Fine Arts Studio Senior Exhibition,” which runs through May 19. An artist reception will be held 7 to 9:30 p.m. May 3, and a First Friday Open House will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. May 4.

“The seniors have exceptionally strong and diverse work this year,” says Zerbe Sodervick, gallery coordinator and director of extended studies at RIT.

Courtney Koslof, who hails from Pittsburg, Pa., has eight pieces in the show and will be graduating from RIT this May with a B.F.A. in fine arts studio. She calls the body of her work—a series of non-toxic prints and watercolor paintings on decorative paper—“Fragility.”

“Fragility can be described as something easily broken, shattered or damaged,” Koslof explains. “I explore what makes an individual vulnerable; when we are whole, we are strong, but when a person is broken, you are left with a collection of parts that all become quite frail.”

Elizabeth Kronfield, associate professor in RIT’s School of Art, says the Gallery r exhibition is a highlight for the 11 student participants.

“The work in the show is widespread with everything from oil paintings and cast bronze to non-toxic prints and installations. The 2012 seniors have worked extremely hard and are a dedicated, talented group of young artists.”

Gallery r sits adjacent to Lumiere Photo, home to Spectrum Gallery, and is just a few yards from the Memorial Art Gallery and Village Gate. The gallery space is under the helm of RIT’s College of Imaging Arts and Sciences and offers students the same challenges and expectations that confront established artists—focusing on diverse exhibitions, educational opportunities and collaborations with the public, other arts institutions and community groups.

Gallery r is handicap accessible, features easy street and off-street parking, and is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. All exhibits are free and open to the public. For more information, call Zerbe Sodervick at 585-475-4977.