Opening Reception Scheduled for 2-4 p.m. April 12 in the Goppert Gallery
(Leavenworth, Kan.) – The »¨˝·Ö±˛Ą will host senior Kendel Thomas’ capstone art exhibition, "SOL - The Splendor of Living," from April 12-20 in the Goppert Gallery in Xavier Hall on the USM Main Campus in Leavenworth, 4100 South 4th Street.
The exhibition is free and open to the public on weekdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with an opening reception scheduled from 2-4 p.m. April 12 in the Goppert Gallery. Visits can also be scheduled by appointment.
"SOL – The Splendor of Living" is a solo exhibition of works from 2023 graduate Kendel Thomas of Basehor, Kan. The exhibition is a collection of works that he has produced to explore his passions, skills, emotions, and values. It features art made in a variety of media, including watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, and graphite. He wants his work to provide people with inspiration, hope, joy, and the eagerness to live life.
“I have been creating since I was a little kid. I would draw several portraits and designs and craft my own toys and props out of common household items,” Thomas said. “Throughout my time in school, I have tried to find ways to leverage my interests and creativity into a career. At some point, however, I feel I lost my way. I lost track of my passion, motivation, values, and aspirations. Throughout the past seven years, I have struggled with depression and anxiety as a result. My time at the University of »¨˝·Ö±˛Ą, I believe, was a period of growth and rediscovery for me. Everything that has culminated from that is what I am sharing in this exhibition.
“My hope is that I come to terms with my skills and desires for how I want to contribute to this world. Through my artwork, I hope to provide inspiration and clarity for people who have been searching for the same thing that I have been looking for throughout my college career – The Splendor of Living.”
For more on the Senior Art Student Exhibition or USM’s art program, call 913-758-6184.
The »¨˝·Ö±˛Ą is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of »¨˝·Ö±˛Ą main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM’s Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit stmary.edu for more information.