Those taking part in the exhibition are Eva Bloom, Dyana DeCoteau-Dyess, AJ Gorthy, Carly Johnson, Allie Nelson, Peter Panales, Maia Robertson and Timmothy Timm. Defined as, “the merging of different elements to form a whole,” “Coalescence” will open with a reception on Friday from 6:30-8 p.m., in the Walter Piehl Gallery at the Northwest Arts Center at MSU. There will be a gallery talk with the artists at 7 p.m. The exhibition will be displayed until June 7. Both exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.  

Capstone is the culminating experience for art majors, allowing them to apply what they have learned in their time at Minot State. The exhibition commemorates their years of art experience at the university level and showcases their skills.  

Bloom combines traditionally feminine crafts such as embroidery, beadwork and doll-making with photography to weave a personal familial narrative. The finished work is delicate and vulnerable, inspired by romanticist and surrealist art movements.

“Most art classes focus on one medium, but my adviser let me delve into anything and everything. I felt in control of my creative process,” Bloom said.

Submitted Art Eva Bloom’s mixed media, “Relics,” combines traditionally feminine crafts.

DeCoteau-Dyess explores her indigenous heritage through fine art photography.

“The Aadizookaang (Sacred Stories) exhibit means much more to me than just another artistic project. It is a meaningful journey back to my roots – a spiritual connection to the oral history of my ancestors,” DeCoteau-Dyess said.

Future art educator Gorthy explores education and methodology in the art classroom for his capstone. Gorthy’s work focuses on the journey rather than the finished product.

“The pinnacle of this exhibition is to showcase the steps of the process needed to create a final piece of art,” Gorthy said.

Johnson found a way to share her faith through her art by designing a collection of fresh Christian apparel that appeals to a broader audience.

Submitted Art Dyana DeCoteau-Dyess’ “Spider Woman” explores her indigenous heritage through fine art photography.

“I take inspiration from my faith while being able to pull away from the stereotypical Christian designs – adding an edge to them was an exciting process,” Johnson said.

Nelson’s work centers around nostalgia and femininity. The women who shaped her come to life through masterful screen prints and lithographs.

“The prints are memories and symbols that embody the individual they are modeled after. From childhood, through adolescence, and into adulthood, these women have helped me navigate this labyrinth we call life,” Nelson said.

Born in the Philippines, Panales shares a glimpse into his childhood through vibrant acrylic paintings. Starting with core memories, Panales turns his past into a whimsical viewing experience.

“This series contains memories from past experiences and interactions living in a third-world country depicting the beauty of nature, daily life, and Filipino culture,” Panales said.

Robertson’s work centers around oceanic life, specifically coral reefs. Robertson was inspired by her father’s snorkeling adventures and wanted to bring light to the condition of modern coral reefs. Using ceramics, Robertson creates an oceanic installation for the viewer.

“Ceramics is not just about creating beautiful objects, it allows me to slow down and find peace in what I do,” Robertson said.

Timm has been immersed in the world of comics since middle school. He has written a strip for The Minot Daily News about two of his pet guinea pigs, Titus and Philemon. For his capstone, he enlarges the panels to create an immersive world.

“Working with my fellow capstone students has been an interesting and fulfilling experience. We have all learned a lot from each other and helped each other succeed in our artistic endeavors,” Timm said.

This exhibition is funded in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the N.D. Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.