After four long years and a semester worth of hard work, seniors in Troy University’s art department were able to display their senior thesis to the public.

The projects, which professor Beverly West Leach said were made over the course of the semester, were a culmination of what they had learned as well as a reflection of a topic directly influential to the student.

“Each student that graduates our program will formulate their senior thesis project,” West Leach said. “It’s basically their capstone class. In this group we have 11 students graduating. Each semester, each show’s dynamic changes as the students change. They’re encouraged to do research on their topics.”

Department head Pam Allen teaches the capstone class and said it had been wonderful to get to know each of the students over the course of the semester and finally see their artworks on display.

“I have a personal interest in the art that is displayed here,” Allen said. “We met all semester on Fridays when the students were able to work on portfolios and more of the behind the scenes stuff.”

For students, this semester’s show marked the end of their undergraduate careers, but for Allen, she said it marked a proud moment for her as a teacher.

“I am very proud,” Allen said. “If they get it in here and on the wall, then they accomplished something and I was able to help.”

But professors weren’t the only ones beaming about the artwork displayed Thursday evening. Robert Sanders, father to one of the art thesis students, said it was a good feeling as a parent to see their child’s artwork on display.

“It’s cool,” Sanders said. “You want to see your student earn a living in what they’re doing. The fine art work is what stands out to me, but a lot of work into everything in this room. It’s amazing to see.”