Washington College has been entertained and informed by many various artistic genres such as music, theater, dance and film. But through it all, there remains a missing link - a form of art recognized too little. This neglected art form is the art of painting, and although this form of art is not disregarded, it is certainly too often overlooked.
A small, but worthwhile, step towards augmenting the awareness of the significance of the painter on campus is to recognize the immense talent that is currently at Washington College. And that talent is exemplified in Theresa Vance, by far the example of a fine student artist. Not only is she recognized here on campus, but currently has her artwork hanging in the Gallery in downtown Chestertown.
In total, there are six pieces currently selected for display at the gallery. The painting are realist pastels: a Native American man with a collage of cultural illustrations; a series of three paintings of the age progression of an Asian woman; a more abstract painting entitled "Woman with Feathers"; and a creative outlook on "Carefree" gum packs that do not hold gum, but marijuana. The prices run from around $350 to $600, a fair price if you can afford it.
Vance's works are manifestations of a natural, inherent talent. That talent has been shaped by an impressive education in the fine arts. In her home town of Parkton, Maryland, she began private art lessons early in childhood. While a young adult, Vance attended Hereford High School, where she began her art study with Advanced Placement Art. Soon going beyond the high school level, she enrolled in college courses at Towson State University and three art classes at The Maryland Institute College of Art. After graduating high school, she was able to enter Washington College with a GPA of 4.0 from the college courses with AP credit.
Presently, Vance is a second semester sophomore double majoring in Art and Biology which has led to her position in the Biology department and her intentions to have a career in a related field.
Her main sources of inspiration for painting are Renoir, Manet and van Eyck, but she also finds that, "when I am not very inspired to work on my art, writing is the next best thing...sometimes it gives me inspiration for my artwork."
When looking at Vance's paintings, there is not a particular message that can be pinpointed, so one must go upon their own impression.
Vance herself said, "I have separate feelings about all of my pieces which can change over time with my choice of subject matter."
The result of such capability to richly capture people in her paintings
speaks not only to her own artistic affluence, but hopefully to the enrichment
of us all at W.C. that undoubtebly should support this unique talent.
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