Sara Roper is from Crystal City, Missouri and is currently pursuing a BFA in Art with a specialization in Painting.

"I have always been a very shy and quiet girl," said Roper. "Speaking up is something that has always been hard for me, which has made putting my feelings into words often difficult. Art is a way for me to express my personal thoughts, feelings and ideas in an aesthetic way."

Wonder Zone focuses on expression. Roper creates work that is illustrative and open to interpretation. Her process allows her to animate her emotions. Her art intends to draw the viewer to it. Where the two come together is a place of wonder.

Each month and as a part of a program to promote community based and integrated art making, a student artist is chosen to exhibit their work at the Slingshot Gallery at Catapult Creative House. These exhibitions showcase a range of work from individual artists that highlight their personal and professional artistic explorations as a part of the Southeast Missouri art community. These artists explore the physicality of the human condition, its relationship to nature and the role of art in contemporary society.

An opening reception for Wonder Zone will take place on Friday, November 1 from 5-7 p.m. in the Slingshot Gallery at Catapult Creative House.

All gallery exhibitions, events and talks are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Joni Hand at jhand@semo.edu or call the Department of Art & Design at (573) 651-2143.