The Intercultural Student Engagement Center hosted an opening reception for “Melanin,” an Illustrative Gallery Show, featuring art by Aaliyah Ellis, a senior studying art and design, on Tuesday, Feb. 7. 

This gallery was displayed in the ISEC office and in DSU 2041. It was sponsored by Gerald Printing.

“I saw some posters for it [the event] around the Fine Arts Center and I recognized the name because we had English 300 together,” Nikki Schoenbaechler, a junior film major, said. “I think it’s [the art] interesting and pretty.”

Additionally, many students admired Ellis’ artistic style.

“I wanted to become more involved with the arts on campus,” Caroline Coorssen, a freshman English major, said. “A lot of the art I look at involves blending, but she takes advantage of hard lines.”   

Ellis’ art featured Black musicians and celebrities due to the influence music has had on inspiring her.

“SZA, I didn’t have a car when I bumped her album,” Ellis said. “I have one specific illustration of Jahiem, the RnB singer, and I grew up listening to that entire album, and I still listen to that joint […] that inspires me.”

Ellis encouraged people who want to do art to just do it. 

“Do it. Remember you always have homework as an artist,” Ellis said. “Don’t be afraid to network with people who are different from you.”

Ellis thanked visitors for stopping by her exhibit. 

“Thank you for your eyes, your ears, your love and your patience,” Ellis said.

Ellis’ art will be on display in DSU 2041 until Feb. 28.

News reporter Bailey Reed can be reached at [email protected].