Original drawings, paintings, and etches were hung from the walls of a downtown coffee shop Thursday, showcasing Ball State University senior Geoffrey Smith's work.
The art show was hosted by the Blue Bottle Coffee Shop on S. Walnut St. in downtown Muncie. The Blue Bottle hosts local musicians, open mic nights, and artist exhibitions regularly. Smith's works will remain in the shop until the end of July, he said.
"I think it's really great that the Blue Bottle is supporting art students and bringing them into the downtown community," senior Elizabeth Fallat said as she perused the 11 works featured at the exhibition.
The open reception was Smith's first solo art show. Previously, he had his work on display at the 72nd Student Art Show at the Ball State Museum of Art.
"The show is a good way to get people to come downtown," Smith said. "It creates a community, and it's a great way to meet people."
Smith said he began drawing when he was about three years old and started painting when he was 12.
Smith, who plans to graduate in the fall, will move to Oregon and work for a friend at a glass gallery, he said.
"Ideally, I want to be able to make it as an artist, but I know that's difficult," he said.
Because of this, he plans to enroll in a master's program to get a teaching license so he will have the option of teaching art classes to earn money.
Spectators were greeted with snacks such as cookies, fruit and punch while they viewed Smith's art.
Senior Joe Jaksich said he happened to stop into the Blue Bottle while the art show was taking place.
"I really liked [Smith's] art," Jaksich said. "It's great that a college student can be confident enough in his work to show it off to people."
Smith said that art is powerful and useful in a variety of ways.
"There's a thing that art does," he said. "It allows you to express yourself and bring people together."
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