Jan. 24, 2019
CWU Provost Gallery Features Puyallup Artists Who Have Been Friends Since Grade School
Two gifted Central Washington University art students—who have known each other since the second grade—will have their artwork featured in the Provost’s Gallery at 302 Barge Hall from January 29 to March 11.
The two, Cameron Wilson, 22, and Max Volkman, 21, first met in elementary school, then attended junior high, high school, and college together. Volkman said the two became close friends when they were in the seventh grade, when they were seated next to each other because their last names are close together alphabetically.
“The meaning of the title of the exhibit, which is ‘98374: Elementary. Junior High. High School. University.’, comes from the zip code of the area where we grew up and the listing of the schooling is because we first met each other in elementary school and have gone to the same schools until now,” Volkman said.
Both Wilson and Volkman said they were honored to be featured in the gallery show, which will begin with an artist reception from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on January 29 in the gallery.
“It feels good to be in this show because it shows I’ve made progress as an artist,” Wilson said.
Volkman said the art he selected to display in the Provost’s Gallery is inspired by the environment he grew up in, but in an abstract way. Wilson, whose work is more realistic, said he chose pieces that reflect the areas where he grew up, Tacoma and Puyallup.
When the two graduate in June, they will go their own ways for the first time since elementary school. Volkman said he hopes to attend graduate school to earn a master’s in fine arts while Wilson, who wants to attend graduate school eventually, said his plan is to take some time off to work on his artwork and other projects.
The Provost Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The idea for the gallery arose from a collaboration between Provost Katherine Frank and Art + Design Chair Gregg Schlanger. The gallery hosts different exhibitions quarterly that showcase student talent. Works displayed in the gallery are available for purchase.
Media contact: Richard Moreno, Department of Public Affairs, 509-963-2714, Richard.Moreno@cwu.edu.