Story by Carolyne Snipes
Photos by Judy Holtz
Spring has most certainly sprung this season on the University of Oregon campus. The trees and flowers are back in bloom, pants have turned to shorts, and the entire Eugene community seems to be coming out of hibernation, including the artists.
This season, six artists were featured in an event at the Mills International Center Spring Art Reception Hues of Nature. The event brought forth an innovative perspective on what spring truly means while also showcasing some incredible talent.
“We wanted to coordinate an exhibit that fit with the season and to show work that is not thing you can typically see around campus,” Justino Long, art curator for the Mills International Center and  a senior in the Digital Arts School, says. His thoughts on the show express deep compassion for the arts, especially art from local artists. By purchasing new, glass frames and hanging the art within the Mill Center in a fresh, more sophisticated way, he truly showed a wide range of work.
For previous shows not many students submitted their work, or even know about the opportunity, according to Long. Only four students typically submit their art. This season, however, was much more successful and provided a wider range of diverse artists. Submission of three pieces is encouraged, and the process for choosing is based on the quality and content of the work submitted.
Not only did this show embrace springtime in all its glory, but it also had a cultural flair, very characteristic of the Center. One of the artists, Polly Irungu, a freshman majoring in journalism captured this essence perfectly. Her amazing photography was carefully shot, framed and beautifully displayed at this show. “I was inspired to show the beauty of my heritage and culture and the hues of nature,” Irungu says.
And her art did just that, displaying the African soul and the sophistication of photography all in one. Her poignant statement, “I wish there was more art around campus,” stuck throughout the exhibit, as each artist displayed talent that longed to be seen.
“This came by accident, I was just looking for new ways to enhance my drawing,” Ashley Parsons, a senior majoring in digital arts, modestly says about her art. This is an understatement, however. Her art, like many of the others in the showcase, displayed an interesting and eye opening original artistic style. “I am always looking for opportunities to show work,” Parsons says, which, as Irungu stated, is not an easy thing to do with such limited opportunities.
The Mills International Center cultivated an amazing, warm, and inviting experience for all in attendance. From the lovely art to the free catering, they surely do all they can to foster creativity on and around the University of Oregon community. With funding from US Bank, they are able to support artists by subsidizing printing jobs and providing outlets, such as this event, to promote their work.
Hues of Nature was an intimate and thoroughly enjoyable event. With the year winding down, The Mills International Center closes off with a true sense of togetherness in the art, University of Oregon, and international communities alike.

Gallery • 2 Photos

In Review: Hues of Nature Art Show Embodies the Spirit of Spring