CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY STUDENT EMILY WOMBLE TO PRESENT ART EXHIBIT

By Adam Goodlett, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - West Africa native and Campbellsville University student Sally Emmeline “Emily” Womble will be presenting an art exhibit in the Campbellsville University Art Gallery, 205 University Drive, Campbellsville, through Saturday, Dec. 5.

Her exhibit will feature paintings, drawings, jewelry and bonsai tree sculptures. A reception for her is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 in the Art Gallery. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

Womble has presented exhibits at Campbellsville three times in the past three years competing in the CU Annual Juried Art Show. In 2007 she took second place for her painting “Once Upon A Dream.” In 2008 she placed for her jewelry/miscellaneous craft “A Pirates Life For Me” and in 2009 she received an honorable mention for her painting “Cosmic Dreams.”

Womble attended Lycee la Fontaine, Niamey, Republic of Niger, 1994-2006. She is completing a bachelor of arts degree with an art major and minor in English at Campbellsville University.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends for always believing in me and never letting me give up on my dreams,” Womble said.

Womble considers her art as her story — it is her expression of her life and dreams.

“Everyone has a story to tell. The way we choose to do so is very unique and personal,” Womble said. “One might choose to share his/her story through the pages of a book. Another might dance their life into being and through gestures, explain what they have been through. A song could be the perfect way for another to share their feelings.        “I believe that the only way for me to show you the things I have seen, heard, smelled, tasted and touched is through my art. Each work of art that I do shows the world a little piece of me.”

She said living in Niger has “heavily influenced” her work.

“Through my art, I want to give you a taste of the exotic world I grew up in and share with you the beauty and sometimes unforgiving nature of the Dark Continent. I want you to feel like you are on a safari when seeing my animals and landscapes.

“My women, based on women I hold dear to heart, depict the whimsical aspect of everyday life as well as the culture.”

Womble uses bold colors as well as texture and sometimes words in her work. She sometimes uses words in her work. She was inspired by Klimt's work “The Kiss.” Klimt is known for his sensuous paintings as well as his attention to detail and texture which is exactly what Womble is trying to obtain through her works.

“I hope you enjoy my artwork. I pray you discover new things through it and come to understand another way of life,” Womble said.

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 3,006 students who represent 97 Kentucky counties, 30 states and 37 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2010 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 23rd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South, tied for fifth in “most international students” and fourth in “up-and-coming” schools in baccalaureate colleges in the South. CU has been ranked 17 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges® and to G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his 11th year as president.