Dordt Artist to Present Senior Exhibition "Existence"

Dordt University student Nicholas Schnell, a student double majoring in Art: Graphic Design and Communication: Digital Media Production, will be hosting his senior art exhibit “Existence,” in the Dordt Art Gallery from March 15 to April 6. The artist reception will take place on Monday, March 22, from 5-7 p.m.

The show will highlight printed vector graphics that are meant to allow people the opportunity to enter into a fictional and playful world that seems innocent yet addresses issues we face in our everyday lives.

“What inspired the theme of the show is the fact that we all go through things and often it is difficult to talk about or even understand these things,” says Schnell. “I wanted to explore a few of these concepts in a way that seems innocent yet possesses within itself a deep and thought-provoking question of our existence.”

Schnell’s talents cross mediums exceptionably well, with his ability to create animations as well. He appreciates that Dordt’s art program provides the basic skills for art making, “but through all of that you discover the kind of art you are more passionate about and you get to spend the time in future classes developing and refining your own style, which the professors are very supportive of!”

His post-graduation plan is to do freelance work, alongside finding a position where he can continue to develop his skills, with a dream to someday work for Pixar.

“One thing that I love about art in general is the fact that we, as visual artists, are able to create entire worlds and stories from a few lines and shapes,” says Schnell.

The Dordt University Art and Design Department offers four emphases: art history, fine arts studio, graphic design, and pre-architectural design. It can also be paired with an education degree as an art specialization.

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Dordt, located in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes.com, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.