CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University is proud to announce the joint thesis exhibition of Gunner Sizemore and Tasha Huerta, graduate students from the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program. Their shows will be presented at the Fielding L. Wright Art Center Gallery, with an opening reception scheduled for July 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will feature food and drinks, providing a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
Sizemore and Huerta have been working on their thesis projects since August 2022, as part of DSU’s MFA program. Their exhibitions showcase their unique artistic visions and personal journeys.
Gunner Sizemore
Sizemore’s exhibition features approximately 15 framed photographs from his ongoing documentary project focused on gay rodeo culture. Sizemore’s work, known for its post-documentary style, explores the intersection of self-identity and cultural discovery. His photography captures a unique blend of self-portraiture and documentary work. He has taken his work across the United States, including a notable third-place award at the Big Gay Art Show in Sedona, Arizona. After completing his undergraduate studies in fine arts at Delta State University in 2020, Sizemore spent two years in commercial photography and teaching before returning to pursue his MFA in Studio Arts. He continues to travel nationally for his projects while residing in the Mississippi Delta.
Sizemore said, “Growing up in the rodeo world was something that I always felt familiar with but was never really home to. To this world, my sexuality is a taboo. ‘Through the Gate, In the Arena’ reveals a different side of the rodeo, one that is little known.”
Huerta’s exhibition is an immersive installation that combines various handcrafted materials to create a wooded area, reflecting her childhood memories. Huerta’s background in graphic design and her diverse artistic explorations, including quilt making, furniture building, and fashion sewing, culminate in this vibrant, life-sized jungle installation.
Tasha Huerta
Huerta is a digital artist from the Mississippi Delta, with a BFA degree in Graphic Design from Delta State. After a successful career in commercial graphic design, including running her own freelance company, THinc. Design, LLC, Huerta pursued her MFA to explore new artistic avenues. Her work in monoprinting and screen-printing has evolved into creating dynamic installations that bring her digital illustrations to life.
Huerta said, “I am currently working on an installation piece where my digitally illustrated jungle has become life-sized. Using screen-printing to build this bright imaginary forest out of a variety of materials has been extremely fulfilling.”
Join us for this unique opportunity to experience the innovative works of these students. The reception promises to be an evening of artistic exploration and community celebration.
For more information, please contact the Wright Art Gallery at Delta State University at 662-846-4720.
