"Light as a Feather" was among three sculptures created by Northwest student Bailey Hopkins to appear recently in the Third Annual Undergraduate Exhibition at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Missouri. (Submitted photo)

Sculptures created by Northwest Missouri State University student Bailey Hopkins comprised three of the 40 pieces of art selected for display in the Third Annual Undergraduate Exhibition during the summer months at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The exhibit ended June 7 but remains accessible virtually on the museum’s website. While the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art is known for its collection of American art from the 18th through the 21st centuries, the undergraduate exhibit received 125 submissions from throughout the United States.

The exhibit also included an oil painting, “A Glimpse,” created by Shannon Hillyer, a senior art major emphasizing in graphic design from Kahoka, Missouri.

Hopkins, a junior art education major from Creston, Iowa, said she was speechless when she learned all three of the pieces she submitted were selected for the exhibit. Dr. Karen Britt, assistant professor of art, informed Hopkins of the opportunity, and Hopkins said she is grateful for the people who supported her, including Britt and Assistant Professor of Art Tom LaPann.

“Professor Britt was new just this last year, but I gained some serious respect and admiration for her while taking her classes,” Hopkins said. “I went to my sculpture teacher, Tom LaPann and asked for guidance on which pieces to submit. He’s been another big supporter of mine since my first semester at Northwest and has really helped me grow as an artist with his constant encouragement and guidance.”

Sculptures are not the only art form Hopkins practices. She also is a choreographer for the Northwest Dance Company and a member of the Art Education Club. In addition to creating works of art, she is an active member of the Newman Catholic Center.

A high school art teacher helped spark Hopkins’ passion for art and teaching.

“She was a true inspiration to me and showed me that art was not only a way to express myself but a way to make connections with others,” Hopkins said. “It was in her classroom that I found true peace and confidence with myself, and I realized I always wanted to feel that way. Not only that, I wanted to help make others feel that way.”