CLARKSVILLE, TN − For students in Austin Peay State University’s Department of Art + Design, the Living Gallery provides a space to display and engage with their creative work right in the heart of campus.
Located on the first floor of the Art + Design Building, the Living Gallery showcases students hard at work practicing a diversity of artistic practices—from sculpture, to photography, to painting and more. The Living Gallery is free and open to the public as part of every First Thursday ArtWalk, and the next event is from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 6.
Eleven students are in residence this semester, including: Lizzie Mahaffey, Alex Allen, Bowie Munoz, Naomi Hundt, Bailey Borders, Eden Reece, Ryan Sharratt, Eme Beck, Spencer Potter, Jordy Harris, and Yesenia Roldan Ponce.
“As part of the Living Gallery, I would like to develop my skills in environmental storytelling by depicting a variety of fantastical settings using traditional and digital mediums,” Ryan Sharratt said of this residency. “I plan to complete at least six pieces, with additional writing and sketches to further develop the locations depicted.”
Living Gallery Coordinator Luke Warren, who is also an assistant professor of sculpture, is excited about this season’s student work.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Spring 2025 Living Gallery Residents,” he said. “These talented students are already hard at work, creating a diverse range of artworks—including photography, painting, sculpture, and more. It’s shaping up to be an exciting semester.”
Lizzie Mahaffey, a sculpture student, is specifically interested in using the Living Gallery space to explore functional design and is inspired by a variety of art movements.
“Art movements like Memphis Design, Googie Kitsch, and Wacky Pomo have been a catalyst for my art and have inspired my designs and functional sculptures,” Mahaffey said.
To learn more about the Living Gallery, contact Warren at warrenl@apsu.edu. To learn more about the Department of Art + Design and its opportunities for students, contact department chair McLean Fahnestock at fahnestockm@apsu.edu.