As the Lamar Arts Depot and Gallery prepares to unveil its latest exhibition, the walls will come alive with works from some of the most promising emerging artists in our region. Opening on May 2nd with a reception from 6-8 PM and running through June 29th, this exhibit is a testament to the power of artistic expression and its ability to inspire, challenge, and connect us.
Featuring a diverse group of 14 artists from five Universities and Colleges in middle Georgia, the show explores themes ranging from identity and reality to redemption and cultural adaptation. Each artist brings a unique perspective, inviting viewers to engage deeply with their work. Here is a taste of what you will find at the exhibit.
Caitlyn Bliss: Capturing Movement and Imagination
A recent graduate of Gordon State College, now a student of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Caitlyn Bliss has a talent for portraiture and still-life compositions that go beyond simple representation. Her work focuses on movement and natural form, guiding the viewer’s eye through intentional design and depth. Caitlyn’s ability to blend traditional fine arts techniques with interior design principles makes her a standout in this exhibit.
Emily Larkey: From Brokenness to Wholeness
A recent graduate of Georgia Southwestern State University, Emily Larkey employs sculpture and metalwork to explore themes of brokenness, redemption, and transformation. Using Biblical symbolism, she creates pieces that reflect how imperfection can lead to beauty. Now serving as Lead Fabricator at Mobile Glassblowing Studios, she continues to craft works that connect past and present, faith and artistry.
Kathryn Honeycutt: The Power of Visual Art
Inspired by Georgia O’Keefe’s belief in the expressive power of color and shape, Kathryn turned to drawing as a way to give voice to the deepest parts of the human spirit. She is a BFA student at Mercer University, exploring the power of visual art to communicate what words cannot. Her work seeks to evoke hope, inner strength and courage.
Joshua Mitchell: A Tapestry of Human Experience
For Joshua Mitchell, art is more than a major—it is a state of being. A soon-to-be graduate of Middle Georgia State University, Mitchell explores identity, emotion, and human connection through vibrant acrylic and oil paintings. His featured works delve into themes of self-expression, mental health, and generational bonding. By playing with color and contrast, Mitchell invites viewers to reflect on their own identities and emotional journeys.
Paola Flores Aguilar: Home, Migration, and Identity
A native of Honduras and a BFA student at Wesleyan College, Paola Flores Aguilar’s work bridges the gap between past and present, homeland and new frontiers. Through photography and image manipulation, her project Home Away from Home examines the duality of cultural adaptation. By layering self-portraits with Honduran patterns and cutting into landscapes of her new environment, Aguilar visualizes the emotional complexity of migration, exploring how home is not just a place, but something carried within.
This exhibit at the Lamar Arts Gallery is more than a display of talent, it is a celebration of the artistic spirit that continues to push boundaries and inspire hope. Through their work, these artists remind us that creativity is not just about seeing the world but reimagining it. Special thanks to Pamela Marshall for curating the exhibit, and the many volunteers at Lamar Arts for making it a reality. May this collection encourage us all to embrace the power of artistic expression in our own lives.
Gordon State College students being featured are Caityln Bliss, Sara Moon and Rebekah Morris. Featured artists from Mercer University are Kathryn Honeycutt, Diana Dupuis, Finn Curry, and Mokshitha Kotkoori. Wesleyan College students being featured are Paola Flores Aguilar, Trinity Jackson and Zylen Vahe Takei. Middle Georgia State University featured students are Joshua Mitchell and Kaela Gibbs. And Georgia Southwestern State University featured artists are Emily Larkey and Leah Ross.
Lamar Arts Depot and Gallery is located at 101 Plaza Way in Barnesville, Georgia. The Gallery is free to enjoy, although we do offer memberships for those wishing to support local arts. We are open to the public Friday from 11am until 2pm, Saturday from 10am until 4pm, and Sunday from 2pm until 4 pm. For more information, our website is lamararts.org.
Ann Mann
