If there was one word to describe the Alumni Art Show, “Zeroing in on Design,” according to junior Sarah Snyder, it would have to be “diverse.”

“It was a bit overwhelming to enter the gallery at first because there was such a large variety of pieces,” said Snyder. “It was very good to see the different variations – fashion pieces, design elements and paintings.”

Indeed, “Zeroing in on Design” is a representation of diverse artistic productions. The exhibit, featuring the creations of various Biola University alumni, had its opening reception on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

“Zeroing in on Design” is the fourth of five art exhibits featured during the 2007-2008 school year. According to Gallery Director Barry Krammes, the Art Gallery staff wanted this year to include special productions to celebrate its 35th Anniversary.

“We had five different Alumni Shows planned to celebrate,” said Krammes. “Three were held in the fall – abstract, landscape and portrait exhibits. This show features design, and the last show at the end of February will feature Christian images.”

An announcement was sent in advance to a variety of Biola University alumni to see if they wanted to participate in the exhibit. The current exhibit consists of a combination of work the alumni sent in, as well as some art pieces specifically requested.

“Planning this show was over a year-long process,” Krammes said.

Many of the alumni who participated in the exhibit are currently working professionally as designers. However, several of these alumni who maintain close connections with Biola University and reside in the area were also present at Tuesday’s opening reception.

Julie Mammano, an author and illustrator of children’s books for 16 years, displayed several of her books in the “Rhinos” series. Mammano is a former graphic designer and greeting card creator, and her children’s books feature unique stenciling and watercolor illustrations instead of computer graphics.

“My books feature rhinos who do various sports,” Mammano shared. “Each book contains the specific lingo of each portrayed sport or activity. I wanted my books to attract reluctant readers: kids who may not be interested in reading, but who are interested in sports and other various outdoor activities. These books are good ‘learning books,’ after which the children will hopefully be more willing to try reading other books.”

An avid freelance writer, Mammano has also worked at Biola University’s Library for the past three years.

Ryan Agadoni, another alumni featured in the exhibit, is a freelance illustrator who currently works in the Biola University Bookstore. A former art major at Biola, Agadoni aspires to be a full-time freelance illustrator and submitted five illustrations to the art exhibit.

“One of my pieces was a poster for Biola’s spring play last year,” Agadoni said. “The other illustrations were simply ideas that came out of my head, and I started putting them down on paper.”

Forty-one different alumni are featured in “Zeroing in on Design,” bringing a plethora of artwork to the exhibit, including handmade books, jacket designs, canvas paintings, jewelry, landscape designs, illustrations, sculptures and t-shirt designs. The exhibit will be on display until Feb. 21.

The varied art forms satisfied the interests and curiosity of their audiences, and proved to be inspirations as well. Snyder, who is currently contemplating switching her major to Art, was especially impacted by the works featured in the Alumni Show.

“It was beneficial for me to see what graduates have accomplished. I did not know how many different ways you can go with an art degree after you graduate,” she said.