Bates College's 2025 Senior Thesis Exhibition, titled "Under the Parachute," opened on April 11 at the Bates College Museum of Art, showcasing works by seven studio art majors. The exhibition features a range of media including mixed-media pieces, cyanotype quilts, ceramics, watercolors, and sculptural installations. Student artists such as Avery Lehman, Miryam Keller, Danny Zuniga Zarat, Alex Provasnik, Lila Schaefer, and Lizi Barrow presented year-long projects that explore themes of memory, empathy, family, and modern life. The exhibition is open through May 24, with faculty advisers Carolina González Valencia and Susan A. Dewsnap supporting the seniors.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the culmination of undergraduate artistic training and the transition from private studio practice to public exhibition, a critical step for emerging artists. The event also underscores the role of liberal arts colleges like Bates in fostering creative expression and providing professional exhibition opportunities. By featuring student artists' personal narratives and diverse media, the exhibition contributes to the broader dialogue on how young artists engage with contemporary themes and build connections with audiences.