Student Art Exhibit Set for December Opening

Deptford Twp. – More than 50 burgeoning student artists will have their first chance to introduce their work to the world at the annual opening of Rowan College at Gloucester County’s Student Art Exhibit on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Glendora native Gianna Rose Ritz and West Deptford’s Christine Hillman are two of the many artists whose work will be showcased at the event. A sophomore, Ritz has been creating since age 5, thanks to her artistically inclined mother. With a multi-faceted approach, Ritz doesn’t rely on a sole niche to express her ideas, effortlessly portraying abstract urbanism, serene naturalistic images and captivating self-portraits. Her work has even earned the respect of talk show host and journalist Meredith Vieira, who hangs Ritz’s portrait of her dog Jasper in her office.

Hillman, a graduate of Rowan University who is taking art classes at RCGC to complete prerequisites required to enter Drexel’s Master of Art Therapy program, works in “a little bit of everything” in terms of media, including watercolor and photography. This is the future art therapist’s first show and she is excited for people to see her work.

“For a long time, I tried to please everyone with my art but then stopped, and I allowed myself the freedom. My creativity became endless and my work got better,” said Hillman.

Flutist Rev. Pamela Whitman of Compassion Heart Productions will perform during the event. A professionally trained musician, teacher and broadcaster, Whitman’s music has been heard by nearly 250 million people across 113 countries.

In addition to the exhibit and performance, a 12-station market place will be set up, selling jewelry, candles, clothing, and other goods. A portion of proceeds from the sold items will go towards the Student Government Association charity The Giving Tree, which provides gifts to children of underprivileged families during the holiday season.

Now in its sixth year since pairing with Rowan College at Gloucester County’s People In Transition – “a semi-independent social service agency dedicated to assisting displaced homemakers in becoming self-sufficient” – The Giving Tree will be taking in suggested gifts for 20 families. Those who wish to donate can also go to the Student Life Office (room 201 in the College Center), where there is a tree with mittens with directions on what type of gifts can help the families most. The SGA is accepting gifts until Dec. 10.

The Student Art Exhibit will be on display from Dec. 3 until Jan. 16 in the Dr. Ross Beitzel Art Gallery located in the College Center.

Rowan College at Gloucester County is located at 1400 Tanyard Road in Deptford, just off Exit 56 of Route 55.