As an art student, the idea of showcasing my work in a professional gallery felt both exciting and a little daunting. Up until now, most of my work had been shared within the supportive but familiar setting of the classroom, and I felt a strong desire to push my boundaries. This is what inspired me to pursue an exhibit at the Third Floor Gallery. It was my first opportunity to present my art in a space where it could be seen, appreciated, and interpreted by a wider audience. The gallery offered a unique platform for me to step into the world of professional exhibitions, making it the ideal setting to take this important step forward in my journey as an artist.
Showing my work to people outside the art world allowed me to gain fresh perspectives and see how my pieces resonated with different viewers. As an art student, surrounded by incredibly talented peers, it can sometimes be difficult to feel confident in your own work. This exhibit has helped bolster my self-assurance, showing me that my art has value and appeal beyond the classroom. The experience of selling some of my pieces was especially validating, giving me a sense that my work truly connects with others.
The theme of my exhibit focused on challenging perceptions of photography as fine art. I invited viewers to question whether adding digital illustration to a photograph is what qualifies it as “fine art”—or if the photograph alone can hold that status. Through my work, I wanted to bridge these mediums by crafting digital illustrations that closely resemble the original photographs. My goal was to demonstrate that the difference between the two forms lies only in the creative process, not the inherent value of each. I hoped to encourage viewers to see both photography and illustration as equally valid expressions of fine art, each uniquely crafted yet united in purpose.
The layout of the exhibit was thoughtfully arranged to engage viewers with this theme. On one wall, I displayed the photographs with digital illustrations layered on top. On the adjacent wall, I showcased the digital illustrations alone. Each combined piece was positioned directly across from its standalone illustration, inviting viewers to turn back and forth to explore how each illustration interacted with its corresponding photograph. This arrangement allowed viewers to dive deeper into the subtle differences and similarities between the two forms, encouraging them to appreciate the distinct techniques involved in both.
To bring my vision to life, I used a Canon R7 camera with a 18-150mm zoom lens to capture each photograph. This setup allowed for a wide range of perspectives and details in each shot. For the digital illustration, I used Photoshop, carefully crafting each line and detail to mirror the photograph as closely as possible. Combining high-quality photography with intricate digital illustration enabled me to seamlessly bridge the two mediums, drawing attention to the unique qualities of each.
Looking back, I wholeheartedly recommend exhibiting at the Third Floor Gallery, especially other art students. It was a fantastic experience, and I would gladly do it again. The gallery provides an invaluable opportunity to develop a cohesive body of work that you can be proud of, while also giving you a chance to build your portfolio and resume in a real-world setting. The space is a supportive platform for emerging artists, offering exposure, connection with a broader audience, and the chance to share your vision. I believe it’s an experience every art student should take advantage of, as it has truly marked an inspiring step forward in my artistic journey.
Grace Willmann is a senior majoring in Studio Arts with an emphasis in Photography and a minor in Art History. She is deeply passionate about creative expression and the stories art can tell. With aspirations of earning a master’s degree, Grace looks forward to further refining her artistry and expanding her artistic journey.