Pellissippi State exhibits student artwork from abroad

Pellissippi State Community College student Julianna Myers created this piece, titled "Language Barrier" during a study abroad experience in Italy.

Artwork inspired by study abroad experiences will be on display at Pellissippi State Community College for the Paper Trail Vol. III exhibit, Oct. 3-21.

The exhibit will include artwork created by Pellissippi State students and faculty during study abroad experiences over this past summer. Countries featured in the exhibit include Cuba, Germany, India, Italy and Scotland.

The Paper Trail Vol. III exhibit is free and open to the public and will be held in the Bagwell Center for Media and Art Gallery, 10915 Hardin Valley Road. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. A reception to meet the student and faculty artists will be held from 3-5 p.m., Oct. 3. Some of the art will be for sale over the course of the exhibit.

"Study abroad is an amazing opportunity for our students" said Jennifer Brickey, a Pellissippi State art associate professor and frequent faculty advisor on study abroad trips. "This exhibition helps us all stop, reflect on our travel experiences and celebrate the impact it makes on our lives. I've had the enormous opportunity to witness students stepping outside their comfort zones and becoming totally immersed in a different culture."

Brickey, who organized the exhibit, teaches in and directs the study abroad program to Italy through the Tennessee Consortium of International Studies.

"It really is one of the best parts of my job, knowing that I may have contributed to the impact that a trip like this makes on student lives," Brickey said.

Tennessee Consortium of International Studies, headquartered at Pellissippi State, organizes study abroad opportunities as part of its mission of boosting international experience and culture in higher education across the state. In 2015, the college was nationally recognized for its work with TnCIS in sending 204 Pellissippi State students to study abroad.

Published October 3, 2016