Charlene Belew
Sports Editor
Between Jan. 21 and March 3 two Cameron University seniors, Jonathan Daoang and Roseanna Hamilton, will be featured in a national art exhibit titled “Transforming Viewpoints.” The art exhibit take place in Pittsburg, Kan., at Pittsburg State University.
On Jan. 21, Hamilton, a Media Graphics major with an emphasis in Painting, and Daoang, a Fine Arts major with an emphasis in Print Making, both received purchase awards at the exhibit. Daoang and Hamilton were the only artists in the exhibit to have their artwork purchased. Daoang’s work will sit with PSU’s Art Department chair in a private collection while Hamilton’s will be featured in the main office of PSU.
Daoang said that his piece, “Lilies and Water,” is a 1-foot by 3-foot, hand-carved and hand-pulled linocut. Hamilton’s artwork is titled “A Mother’s Treasure” and is a monotype made on Rives BFK paper with relief inks.
Both students felt that having their art featured in the exhibit was honorable. They also felt they learned from the experience. For Daoang, this was his second national exhibit.
“I treat every show and exhibit the same,” he said. “To get into any show is very special to me. This particular exhibit only accepted 20 artists’ work. There are usually several hundred applicants minimum that apply, so for my artwork and vision to be recognized yet again is a true honor and accomplishment for me.”
“Transforming Viewpoints” was the first national exhibit to feature Hamilton’s work. She said when she found out that she was accepted, she cried.
“I cried because with my four years here at Cameron, I’ve been through many challenges with school. I decided to not work full time and to be a full-time student. I’m a parent of three, and I want to leave a positive role for them and those who are around me. I want to leave a legacy for my family to look up to and that no matter how old you are, whatever dream you believe in, you can have it.”
Hamilton believes that Daoang and herself compliment each other well. While Daoang’s art focuses on his Pacific Islander culture, Hamilton’s art is inspired by her spiritual side, her family, friends and other artists.
“I want them [viewers]to leave with the impression of strength,” she said. “I want my art to speak volumes to people, not just women but to any individual that has a dream. I want them to see it’s obtainable.”
Daoang believes with his artwork being accepted into this show, more people will understand his point of view from a cultural standpoint.
“This show is centered around cultural differences and all of my pieces are inspired from my culture so to be accepted specifically for this show lets me know that my vision is not only understood by myself, but is being successfully communicated to and appreciated by others,” he said.
The two Cameron students have more events coming up in the future. On Feb. 28 from 6-8 p.m., Hamilton and Daoang will unite again at the Bakery Emporium to present a two-person exhibition. Senior art night will also be held on April 5.