Alumni Artist Comes Home Bringing Nostalgia

By NATHAN WITT / Editor-in-Chief

My grandmother’s guest room faced the sunrise. I remember, as a kid, feeling the sun’s rays washing over me while I clung to the last ounce of sleepiness. The white room would glow yellow with sunlight. Tying me to the bed was a patchwork quilt her grandma had made. I could feel the love in every stitch. It was like the story of each piece of fabric was woven together into a historical account of my family’s journey. Underneath that blanket is the safest place I’ve ever been. For just a moment, Jessica Sanders’ Grids and Patterns put me back in that guest room.

The white walls of the Fine Arts Complex gallery are draped in ceramic quilt-like patterns. Immediately through the door, one gets a sense of Sanders’ dedication to the medium. Every individual tile is tied together at each edge. The pieces fold and bend in the most familiar unfamiliar way. They resemble fossilized quilts and scarves.

The room felt comforting and peaceful. Even in the middle of the afternoon, I could feel the faint wash of sunlight from Grandma’s guest room across my face. Pictures do not do this collection justice. While I’ve never met Jessica Sanders, I felt like I got to know a piece of her at this exhibit. If this semester is already getting to you, or you’re feeling homesick, I encourage you to visit the Fine Arts Complex while you still can. The current exhibition will remain until March 8th.