Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University’s Culinary Café will host a closing reception for artist and alumna Umeki Earl-Nelson from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, in the Culinary Café, located in the Education Annex, Room 121, on SFA’s campus.
The SFA and Nacogdoches communities are invited to attend this free event. Light refreshments will be served, and the dress is casual.
The Culinary Café features artwork by various artists each semester, and Nelson’s collection has been on display since June.
“It means a lot to have my work showcased at SFA. The university has given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally,” Nelson said. “I truly value the relationships I have developed here, and I am excited about the opportunity to share part of my life that has given me so much joy. My hope is that the work I do is an inspiration to someone.”
Nelson explained her work represents her progress as an artist, and the display showcases various mediums, including charcoal, graphite pencil, and acrylic and oil paints.
“With each medium, I took on the challenge of trying something different. When I felt as though I used the medium successfully and as intended, then I was ready to accept the next challenge,” Nelson said.
Nelson graduated summa cum laude from SFA with a major in interior design and a minor in art in August 2016. A LaRue, Texas, native, Nelson now lives in Tyler.
“Umeki is an extremely talented and dedicated individual,” said Leisha Bridwell, SFA associate professor in the School of Human Sciences. “She is an excellent artist who studied art before coming to SFA to major in interior design.”
Nelson was awarded Outstanding Major and Outstanding Achievement during SFA’s School of Human Sciences Convocation in April 2016. She also recently completed an internship with Kirk Acheson, a registered architect with more than 20 years of experience, at Total Engineering Services in Tyler, which is an engineering and architecture firm.
“Umeki is a very creative and talented student, one you could always depend on to go above and beyond,” said Sally Ann Swearingen, associate professor in SFA’s School of Human Sciences.