Amid a backdrop of soft piano music, delectable delights, and curious observers, seniors Ashlae Abraham and Candace Hastings unleashed their varied works of art at the Fine Arts gallery last Monday night.

The display, representing their artistic abilities, has been years in the making.

Abraham, a senior art education major from Hendersonville, whose works were more of the traditional method of physical depictions, stressed that patience and diligence were necessary qualities.

“The works are all the result of patience and longevity,” said Abraham. “The most time-consuming for me consisted of ‘One Long Night.’”

The piece Abraham refers to is a canvas painting with blocks of martini glasses. In each square, a different color scheme is characterized.

Another piece that was praised at the show was a painting of four individually colored squiggly trees with a background that set off four different moods.

“I believe that ‘Moody Trees’ showed diversity,” said Octavia Boykin, an animal science major Clarksville. “It seemed to express varying moods that the artist must have felt.”

“This show represents my best work of my college career,” said Abraham. “I’m very proud of the many works that have come together here today, and the positive response it has been given.”

Hastings, a senior graphic design major from Fairview, showcased her multi-faceted design talents with her exhibit.

“My courses have taught me the foundations of design, knowledge of the programs, and to work with a critical eye,” said Hastings. “The pieces on display are samples of work from classes and internships which showcase my experiences and development as a graphic designer.”

One of Hastings’ non-graphic design works included a ceramic chess set on a slate board. The sculpture, “Stone Chess Set,” was a favorite among onlookers. This piece was also my favorite because the chess set created appeared so simple and eloquent.

“I liked the chess set piece the best,” said Marshall Romero, a senior art major from Breaux Bridge, La. “The shape that the pieces took on was a unique sight for the eye.”

Another of her pieces, “SweetGrass Menu,” was a class project to create a menu for an imaginary restaurant.

“I’ve been working on the menu since I was a freshman,” said Hastings. “The combination of copy and layout design took a lot of time, but I am very proud of the end result.”

Of Abraham’s pieces, I preferred the “Girl Scout Barn” piece. The visual effect it set off reminded me of a warm, country day.

Another of Hastings’ works I was struck by was the “West Tennessee Regional Art Center” piece. The simplicity and professionalism it showed was such that it made me believe she would go far in her chosen career.

“Ashlae and Candace’s pieces, while varied degrees of work, speak of their talent and were very well done,” said Candace Cooper, a senior communications major from Erwin. “I enjoyed this exhibit and can’t wait for future ones.”