Student artwork will be featured in two exhibits this spring in Ashford University’s Cortona Art Gallery.

The annual student/senior juried exhibit is set for March 17-27 with a reception and awards presentation on Tuesday, March 25 from 3-5 p.m. in the gallery. Seniors Carmen Bechtel (Clinton, Iowa) and Ashley Schwenneker (Moline, Ill.) will showcase their work during the exhibit.

“Carmen does mostly portraits, typically female, using marker and ink. The portraits themselves are realistic but the settings are surreal. For example, she’ll have a beautiful woman who is turning into a koi fish,” said Anna Pagnucci, art professor and gallery director. “Ashley does paintings and drawings that center on a nautical theme. She typically uses pure unmixed colors and short spatial depth.”

From April 10-18 the gallery will focus on photography with a display of work by the University’s Photo II class. A reception for the students will be held on Tuesday, April 15 from 3-5 p.m.

On display will be photography projects by Carmen Bechtel, Clinton, Iowa; Jonathan Delgado Ruiz, Des Moines, Iowa; Christie Dillie, Davenport, Iowa; Rachel Neymeyer, Camanche, Iowa; Tara Stubblefield, Fulton, Ill.; Loren Thacher, Mount Carroll, Ill.; Ulysees Turner, Chicago, Ill.; and Jessica Windett, Byron, Ill.

The Cortona Art Gallery is located on the second floor of Ashford University’s St. Clare Hall at 400 North Bluff Boulevard in Clinton. The Gallery is named for Sister Cortona

Phelan, OSF, former president of Mount St. Clare College (MSC) and former president of the Sisters of St. Francis. For many years, Sister Cortona influenced the quality of education at the college through her teaching of American history and her love of the arts. She also served as MSC Academy principal and as dean of students at the college.

The gallery is open to the public, free of charge, every weekday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and for private showings by appointment. For further information, please call 563.242.4023.

About Ashford University

Achievement belongs to all of us at Ashford University. By offering a traditional college campus as well as online degree programs, Ashford meets the diverse needs of individuals pursuing integrity in their lives and in their communities. Students may earn an associates, bachelor’s, or master’s degree online, while campus students in Clinton, Iowa may earn a bachelor’s degree. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit http://www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.