By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Miranda Meeks, a senior from Princeton, Ky., and Rachel Johnson, a senior of Columbia, Ky., are displaying their senior art exhibits at Campbellsville University March 23-April 3 in the Art Gallery.

A reception for Meeks and Johnson will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 29, in the Gallery, which is located at 205 University Drive, Campbellsville. The public is invited to both the reception and exhibit free of charge.

Meeks' exhibit will consist of two-dimensional work in charcoal, pen and ink, oil paint, collage, mixed media, pastel and photography. She will have assemblage, marble drop and ceramics in three-dimensional work.

“Out of all of the gifts God has blessed me with, my favorite is art,” she said. “For me, art is a form of praise and an escape. I use it to cope and celebrate life. Art is a wonderful gift that has become my driving passion. I want to share that passion through teaching art.”

Meeks is scheduled to graduate in fall 2009 with a bachelor of science in art with teaching P-12 certification in art.

Meeks said her style is influenced by surrealism and cubism. “The subjects of my work tend to come from my emotions and my experiences,” she said.

“When people look at my work, I want them to ponder on it for awhile as if they were solving a puzzle. Even if it's not the message that was intended, I want it to speak to the viewer.”

She said she has noticed several reoccurring symbols that pop up in her work. There tend to be heads with no faces, clouds and hearts.

She said doodles are also a prominent component within her style. “I love adding the tiniest of details to create a whimsical piece.”

Meeks said, “I want to inspire people and leave an impression upon the world. I want to know that through my existence, someone has been touched in a positive way. I suppose that's what art is for me. It's me reaching out to the world; it's healing.”

She has exhibited at the CU Student Juried Art Show, Southside Baptist Church, The Vineyard and in a “play therapy” seminar.

She is the daughter of Randy and Sheila Meeks of Princeton; she attends Southside Baptist Church and is a 2005 graduate of Caldwell County High School.

Johnson's work consists of three dimensional pieces, etchings and screen prints.

“In my artwork, I find that most of my inspiration comes from nature and the things of the world,” she said.

“I love three-dimensional work, and I feel that is where I have the most success. Most of my artwork comes from my favorite bird, the flamingo. The flamingo has beautiful lines and grace. With their long legs and necks, colorful feathers and unusual beaks, the flamingo is a piece of art in itself.”

She said she also draws inspiration from the harmful effects that humans have on this world. She said her pieces “Television” and “Melting America” demonstrate that.

“We do not understand that we are only harming ourselves,” she said. “Hopefully you will see that in some of my pieces. In all the others, I hope you will see happiness.”

Johnson has displayed at the 2006 Campbellsville University Student Exhibit.

She graduated from Russell County High School in 2005 and will receive her degree in art education at CU in December 2009.

She is the daughter of Randall and Pamela Johnson of Columbia. She attends Clear Springs Baptist Church in Russell Springs.

Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,601 students who represent 93 Kentucky counties, 27 states and 31 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2009 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South for the second consecutive year. CU has been ranked 16 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his tenth year as president.