Western Carolina University’s School of Art and Design welcomed its newest member, Ron Laboray, last August.
He now holds the position of assistant professor of painting and drawing. Since then, he has added new ideas and methods to the school. Some of his works include working with surfboard resin and auto urethane on aluminum.
Laboray’s new look on art is on display in the Fine Art Museum located in the John F. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. On Feb. 16, the museum held an artist talk from 4-5 p.m. and an artist’s reception from 5-7 p.m. This event was free and refreshments were provided.
Students were encouraged to attend the event and ask questions.
“Ron Laboray is new to Western, if students ask questions he will get to know the students and what they have to offer,” said Denise Drury, interim director of the museum.
Dawn Behling, Director of Visitor Services, added, “I hope a conversation about the ins and outs of being a professional artist is sparked. It’s not every day that students are able to ask a professional artist about the trade.”
Not only are faculty and staff looking forward to the display, which will be on display for about three months, but students are as well.
“I am intrigued by the advertisements. I’m not sure what it is exactly, but I definitely want to know more,” said Kasey Privette, a sophomore.
Miranda Skenes is looking forward to the reception for a similar reason.
“His artwork looks awesome on the fliers and I can’t wait to see more of it,” she said.