If the end of summer has given you the blues perhaps the Art Expo and Something Blue exhibits in the Union are just what you need.

University students and cousins Amber Wahpepah, senior, and Karalynn Repie currently have their work displayed in the art galleries next to the University bookstore. The two exhibits have been open since July 27 and plan to close Sept. 1.

“I think this exposes students to art, different ideas, emotions and ways of feeling,” said Kim Jacobs, associate director of the Union. “Some people might learn what the artist was thinking or find that the art brings out something entirely different.”

The gallery nearest the bookstore features exclusively Wahpepah’s watercolor pieces. She utilized blue in every one of the eleven paintings including “Hectic,” “Wave” and “The Lagoon.” She often incorporated tissue paper and modeling paste into her work to add texture and depth.

Students and the public are free to view the galleries during regular Union hours and record feedback in journals available.

Diana DelBalso wrote in the comment book after visiting the Something Blue exhibit.

“Absolutely stunning,” she said. “Excellent use of so many of the prettiest shades of blue.”

Wahpepah’s blue collection ranges in price from $100 to a $500 piece called “Midnight Ocean.” Here, she incorporated watercolors, acrylic, tissue paper, gloss, modeling paste and a type of paint consisting of pigment suspended in water known as Gouache.

The Art Expo is being held in the gallery directly next to the Something Blue exhibit. Both Repie and Wahpepah have art displayed here. Repie’s featured works are photographs and Wahpepah contributed primarily nature-themed paintings.

A photograph taken by Repie called “Naked Eye” is printed on metallic substrate and is priced at $312.

“The fine and performing arts enable people to see, feel and think deeply, and promote a better understanding of human values,” according to the Union art gallery Web site. “Rotating exhibits in the galleries, permanent collection artwork and pieces on loan from BGSU Fine Arts faculty compliment the décor of the building [Union].”

The next exhibit, open Sept. 8, is the third annual exhibition of contemporary art. Several University art students visited the west coast during spring break ’05. Their photography from that trip will be featured in the galleries.

The galleries in the Union are booked for the remainder of the fall semester; however there are openings for interested individuals and/or groups to exhibit in the spring. For information e-mail Kim Jacobs at [email protected].