"Kalmia," "The End of Summer" and the "Montgomery Photo Festival" exhibits were celebrated with reception filled with students, faculty

IAC brings together students through art

Madison Hayes photo Students enjoy refreshments at the IAC reception underneath one of the center's new installations "Kalmia" by Jamey Grimes.

The International Arts Center honored Alabama artists last Thursday with a reception debuting three new exhibits.

The new exhibits available for viewing are Jamey Grimes’ “Kalmia,” Madison Faile’s “The End of Summer” and the Montgomery Photo Festival.

Upon entering the IAC, attendees were warmly welcomed by the exhibit of Kalmia,  a sculpture installed in the Foyer Gallery consisting of 120 resin flower lights suspended from the ceiling.

“I want people to be able to follow curiosity, and maybe, let that spark curiosity in other spaces,” said Jamey Grimes, the artist of Kalmia and an assistant professor of art at The University of Alabama.

Grimes said he pulls inspiration from his experiences walking through nature. This particular sculpture is based on mountain laurel flowers that can be found along streams in the Appalachia area.

Grimes hopes viewers take the curiosity and inspiration from his art and use it to notice the details of nature they may typically overlook.

Attendees of the reception were able to experience an artistic atmosphere while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

Madison Hayes Photo During the reception, students were able to view the artwork that is currently on display at the IAC.

Hannah Helms, a senior graphic design major and IAC staff member from Troy, attended the event and expressed her appreciation for Kalmia.

“I love it -- It’s absolutely beautiful, and I haven’t seen a lot of artwork that creates a different sort of atmosphere to a room,” said Helms. “I come into work every day, and it really just makes my day better because it’s just so beautiful.”

Madison Hayes Photo

The End of Summer is a collection of paintings by Madison Faile that aim to evoke the feeling of nostalgia. This collection is influenced by the imagery of growing up in the deep south.

Faile, who is a full-time artist, originally from Selma, Alabama, and a Troy University alum, says this exhibit contains about a year’s worth of art based on his own photography, memories and imagination.

“I want students and community members to see a really fun dynamic painting show and really think about the narrative,” Faile said.“Everyone brings their own life experience to the viewing of art, and I want people to see different things.”

The Montgomery Photo Festival, installed in the Huo Bao Zhu gallery, is a collection of photos from photographers across the country. This is the sixth year of the annual festival.

The photos allow viewers to step into the lives of others and experience things they typically may not.

Kalmia will be on display at the IAC until Jan. 12, while The End of Summer and the Montgomery Photo Festival will be on display until Nov. 17.