School of Art Presents 'For Wintonbury' M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition by Cassaundra Sanderson

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For Walter, Acrylic on Canvas, 40" x 30"

The School of Art at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce an M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition with Cassaundra Sanderson: 'For Wintonbury'.

The exhibition opens today in the Fine Arts Center Gallery where audiences will discover Sanderson's unique mix of cross-disciplinary work.

For Wintonbury is a narrative work in the form of paintings, drawings, three-dimensional compositions, and a book of short stories. The artist merges the visual arts and literary fiction in the hopes of making storytelling into a more immersive experience.

The narrative takes place on a single street in the fictional town of Wintonbury, Massachusetts. For Wintonbury explores a neighborhood of connected stories amongst seven primary characters. All are coping with their own realities, revealing themes of family, love, loss, communication and alienation.

"Sometimes you have to strip away everything that's comfortable for you to get to something new and different – and oftentimes, better," Sanderson said. "You'll notice certain threads stay with you throughout the changes. That's how I realized how important text and narrative are to me."

Sanderson described her time at the School of Art as going by very quickly, and at the same time, very slowly. The journey helped her realize who she is as an artist and instructor.

Working with undergraduate foundations students and curating exhibitions at sUgAR Art Gallery are some of Sanderson's top highlights.

She is currently interviewing and applying for faculty positions across the country. In addition to teaching, Sanderson looks to continue making art, exhibiting and writing.

For Wintonbury is on display March 26-30 at the Fine Art Center Gallery. Its closing reception will be the last day of the exhibit at 5:30 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.