Attendees meandered the hallways of the art wing in the Owen Arts Center, while student artists were on hand to lend perspective to the various works showcased at the March 23 “Open Studios” exhibit. Sofia Bastidas, SMU Pollock Gallery Director and Curatorial Fellow, and Ashlyn Lee, M.F.A. and Curatorial Assistant, organized the event.

When asked about the success of the “Open Studios” event, Ashlyn Lee said, “Many prospective students (undergrad and grad) swung by. Overall the event was greatly received. Many visitors described…the Division of Art seemed (as) to be thriving and bubbling with a sense of community amongst the students and professors.”

XXavier Edward Carter, M.F.A., said about the event, “The open studios brought in a larger audience than the undergraduate exhibitions that happen regularly. Even within the SMU community, it was wonderful to see new faces exploring the arts.”

When asked about the large work that sits in the middle of his studio, Carter stated, “The piece, as it stands right now, is predominately styrofoam, unprocessed live oak from Bishop Boulevard, and ceramic coins. There are many layers to the artwork, it stands as (a) monument to the words and place(s) referenced in Highland Park, it also stands as a nod to the hidden histories of Dallas and the world at large.”

Carter’s “Highland Park” will be completed and shown Easter weekend 2019.