A painting by WCU senior Dusty Mitchell.

Ceramics by WCU senior Preston Tolbert.

A reception to celebrate the opening will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 18.

“The exhibit is the students’ senior thesis exhibition and will be a lively mix of ceramics, painting and sculptures,” said Marya Roland, associate professor of art at Western.

The students are part of a senior portfolio class, which prepares students for entry into the professional art world. The class teaches them how to photograph their work, write resumes and artist statements, approach art dealers and develop Web sites. “The students participate in intense critiques of their work, and develop a cohesive body of artwork,” said Roland.

Exhibiting students are Julie Boisseau, ceramics, from Whittier; Samuel Bintz, painting, from Dade City, Fla.; Tara Jones, sculpture, from Mocksville; Leah McCreary, painting, from Asheville; Dusty Mitchell, painting, from Lenoir; Jennifer Schrank, painting, from Greensboro; Brendan Siegl, sculpture, from Apex; Preston Tolbert, ceramics, from Troutman; and Michelle Walker, painting, from Maggie Valley.

The exhibit continues through Saturday, Dec. 1.

Museum hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays 1 to 4 p.m. The museum is closed Sundays, Mondays and university holidays.

For more information, contact Martin DeWitt, director of the Fine Arts Museum, at (828) 227-2553.