Like the natural world that inspired her, Emily Heller’s ’24 artwork “My Cave” is constantly evolving.
“I invited people who came to the Senior Art Show to place their handprint on the ‘Cave Wall’,” she said as she coated her father Dan’s hand in white paint.
“I think of my art as a way to connect people with nature and for the school and community to connect with my art.”
Emily Heller '24
Art & Education Double Major
Heller took home the second annual President’s Purchase Prize, as chosen by Interim President James Mullen, at the closing of Hartwick’s Senior Thesis Exhibition.
“I’d be honored to hang any one of these in my office. The way Emily’s cave project connects with nature and humanity is so captivating.”
James Mullen
Interim President
“My Cave” consists of several mixed-media pieces, incorporating canvas, beads, branches and more, installed on the balcony of the Foreman Gallery.
“I love to be out in nature, especially going up on Table Rock,” she said. “I have such strong feelings about connecting to nature, and I want people to feel that way when they move through this installation.”
An excerpt from the installation will hang in the President’s office for one year, after which it will go into the alum archives.
Bailey Ernst ’25 painting ”Suddenly Alive,” exhibited as part of the Junior Review, won the Vice President’s Purchase Prize and is currently on display in the Office of Academic Affairs.
Also announced at the show, Lindsey Kelley’s ’24 “Wonderful Whiskers” pet portrait series, which took home “Best in Show” as well as the award for Outstanding Senior Thesis.
Each recipient earns a substantial tuition grant and a place among those who represent the very best of Hartwick College.
The Alpha Gamma associate chapter is not only the first chapter of the multicultural sorority in Upstate New York but is also the only active chapter in the state.