Cassie Guy, a Charlottesville-based artist, brought her work to EMU’s gallery on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The title of the show is “Thresholds: Then and Now.” The gallery opening took place at 4 p.m., with cookies, pink-frosted donuts, and juice provided as refreshments. 

Sophomore River Lynch said he decided to come to the gallery opening after passing by earlier in the day and seeing the bright colors, which intrigued him.

Paintings of different shapes and sizes hung on the gallery walls, but they all shared a similar, bright color palette. A vase of fresh flowers stood in one corner, bringing a floral scent to the room.

Students, faculty, and community members perused the gallery for about 15 minutes before Cyndi Gusler, EMU’s Gallery Director and Professor of Art, gave a brief introduction. Gusler introduced Guy and told guests that she had “cold-emailed” Guy, asking her to bring her art to EMU after seeing it at a Charlottesville gallery. Guy then revealed that she recognized how college students can be very busy, often not having much time to visit galleries, which is why she wanted to bring her art to EMU.

Guy then gave her own short talk about her artwork. She explained how she transitioned to painting from her former career in fashion by doing art projects with her kids when they were staying home sick. 

Guy also gave advice to art students: go to galleries, show your face, and make yourself known. She also revealed that one of the pieces was painted on three doors from a hardware store, which, she told the audience, was a good way to save money on supplies. 

“I love liminal spaces,” Guy said, explaining the inspiration behind her art. “The most important feature is that threshold space.”

The space then opened up for audience questions and comments. Chad Gusler, Associate Professor of Language and Literature, commented that a part of the piece “Elephant Tucked In” looked like a portal. He later said that he was inspired by the piece and planned to come back to look at it more.

“Someone said that the rounds… look like portals,” Guy said, gesturing to two circular paintings. 

A few more audience members asked questions, then Cyndi Gusler encouraged the guests to stick around, enjoy the art, and interact with Guy. 17 students received Engage points, and many students signed sheets to show they had attended as a requirement for their VACA classes. 

Junior Emma Ruth Hua said that she liked the paintings, but prefers to stick to drawing herself. “Colors, there are too many options, you know?”

“Thresholds: Then and Now” will remain in the Margaret Gehman Gallery for the rest of March.