Abbey Grey is originally from Boulder, Colorado, but later moved to St. Louis. She is pursuing a BFA in Art with an emphasis on New Media. Art has always played a role in her life. When she was in middle school, she took a design studio class with an amazing teacher which made her realize she wanted to consider art as a career.

Do You Believe in Unicorns? reflects on the historical symbol of the Unicorn. From the Greek historian Ctesias to the icon on a cereal box, unicorns are notorious for their precious beauty and transcendent nature. They are often representative of fertility, innocence, and unknown magic. Many associate unicorns with pure young maidens, as such an elusive creature could only be tamed by one. Men could never catch, nor tame a unicorn. Unicorns are symbols in Christianity both representing Christ and the Virgin Mary. Their innocence and constant persecution, mirrors the belief surrounding Christ’s own sacrifice and persecution. Unicorns are also described in Japanese fables as disguised demons who must be captured. Buddhists recognize unicorns as a symbol for a quiet spirit living in solitude, their horns symbolic of nirvana. There’s no denying the global significance in religion and culture that the unicorn myth has carried over time.

Each month and as a part of a program to promote community based and integrated art making, a student artist is chosen to exhibit his or her work at the Slingshot Gallery at Catapult Creative House. These exhibitions showcase a range of work from individual artists that highlights 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 Do You Believe in Unicorns? will take place on Friday, April 4 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, please contact Dr. Joni Hand at jhand@semo.edu or the Department of Art & Design at (573) 651-2143.