The annual Bachelor of Fine Arts group exhibition series kicked off last week at the Jacob Lawrence Gallery with the first of three exhibits that feature UW students earning their Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees.

“The exhibits are about highlighting the graduating seniors’ work as a capstone of their education,” said art history graduate student and gallery staff member Kris Anderson.

The gallery is featuring the work of 21 photography and ceramics majors in an exhibit that will run through May 3. The pieces on display compose a remarkably diverse collection that demonstrates the wide range of media that the two disciplines encompass.

Photography major Hannah Song’s “Composition I (Green)” and “Composition II (Red),” which depict tree foliage, are displayed with stereo viewer glasses that provide a 3-D presentation.

“My interest in stereo photography grew from an exploration of spatial environments,” Song said.

Ceramics major Luke Kemp’s “Self Portrait at 22 Years” is less complicated in presentation, but no less striking in effect. “Self Portrait” depicts the form of Kemp’s own face 22 times in a circular pattern and is constructed primarily from glue and paper. Kemp’s utilization of common materials in constructing the piece was not without reason. He said that his use of simple materials was a conscious choice in hopes that the viewer would examine the subtleties of his work.

Local influences are apparent in many of the featured students’ displays.

“In this series I am emphasizing the subtle variations of behavior that play out in public spaces, using scenes that are familiar to all of us,” photography major Nicole Madison said.

Her photographs include “Park,” which depicts people having a picnic in Ravenna Park, as well as “Grocery Store,” which most U-District residents will recognize as the Trader Joe’s on Roosevelt.

Two other salient displays among the varied works are ceramics major Rian Robison’s mixed media displays “My Pitchfork” and “My Shears.” The presentations are, as you might expect, a pitchfork and a pair of shears. However, these very conventional items are amusingly upholstered in floral cloth.

“I am fascinated with juxtapositions of ordinary objects in unusual contexts and the altered reality that follows,” Robison said

The photography and ceramics BFA exhibit is the first in a series of three. Beginning on May 14 and running through May 31, art students earning their degrees in metals, fibers, sculptures and painting will be featured. The final exhibit will present work by students specializing in industrial design, while the work of design studies and visual communication design students will be on display June 11-21.

The Jacob Lawrence Gallery is located in the first floor of the Art Building and is open Tuesday through Saturday. The BFA group exhibition series is a great opportunity to support the featured students and to see some exceptional art for free.

“They have put so much time and effort into their work, it’s really all about showcasing them,” Anderson said.