Senior BFA student presents ‘I Care So Much!’ exhibition

How do our individual identities and experiences with mental health affect the many different facets of our lives? 

In their “I Care So Much!” Bachelor of Fine Arts senior exhibition, painter and ceramicist Rita Tumbusch explores the connection between mental health and everyday life.

An opening reception for “I Care So Much!” will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, May 11, at Gallery 231 in Randall Hall. The exhibit will run through Friday, May 15 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“My current work combines painting and ceramics to reflect on how I see myself and my mental health,” Tumbusch explains. “I investigate my own identities as a queer, nonbinary, feminine presenting person with chronic anxiety and depression.”

The artist’s paintings and sculptures serve as a reflection of experiencing intense mental health struggles and the way those feelings are juxtaposed with resilience and moments of joy and hope.

Tumbusch grew up with art as a priority, taking art classes in elementary school and high school. They have loved growing into their own artistic style and continuing their passion for art during their time at Central Washington University.

Rita works with clay and oil paints to create their whimsical paintings and sculptures. While their painting is traditional in its materials, they combine wheel throwing and hand-building to create unique ceramic works.

See more of their work on Instagram, @ritasgallery.

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Image above: Rita Tumbusch, “Celebration”, 2026, oil on canvas