The Fort Lewis College Art & Design Department hosted its annual SURGE Exhibition, featuring capstone projects from senior Art and Communication Design majors. Curated and designed by the students, the exhibition highlights their creativity and personal expression while offering a platform to share their work with the FLC and Durango communities.
The exhibit featured a wide range of styles—from cartoons and tapestries to storytelling through visual art—each piece reflecting unique inspirations and personal identity.
Sixteen Studio Art majors and seven Communication Design majors participated in this year’s show.
Felix Roberts, 24, of Salida, Colo., presented a four-canvas series of cartoon-inspired characters: War God, Indecision of Pig, Traveler, and Ohio Man.
Originally planning to submit a large painting, Roberts changed direction after a casual art night with friends.
“After I made a small painting, I knew I wanted to do something fun—not something that felt restrictive,” he said. “I started making more smaller pieces and saw the project come together.”
Aaliyah Blatchford, 21, of Chinle, Ariz., showcased bold and unconventional pieces, including acrylic nails representing her classmates’ personalities and visceral works titled What Did You Do? and I Can’t Help Myself, featuring images of intestines and self-consumption.
“I wanted my capstone project to be different,” Blatchford said. “Each piece represents me, my classmates, or anyone who sees themselves in that position.”
For Nedilynn Brown, 24, also of Chinle, the exhibition was a space for remembrance. Her piece, A Silent Strength: A Tribute to My Father, honors her late father and the emotional bond they shared. Inspired by his influence, the emotional piece reflects her desire to keep his memory alive in her art, though she feels it’s still a work in progress.
“My dad was a very important figure in my life—my number one fan,” she said. “I was really happy my portrait made it into the show because I would have invited him regardless.”
Brown credited Professor Chad Colby for his support. “He really pushed me to finish, even when it was hard,” she said, noting how emotional and deeply personal that process was.
Regena Benally, 23, created Stories of Loss and Resistance, a three-piece series depicting key moments in Native American history. Two pieces—Rage, portraying Buffalo Calf Road Woman defeating General Custer, and Grief, about the Navajo Long Walk—were displayed. The third piece, Shock, portrays a young girl witnessing her village’s destruction.
“I wanted to share stories not many people know,” Benally said. “You hear about women in battle, but don’t often see examples. It felt powerful to bring that forward.”
Professors Paul Booth, Communication Design, and Chad Colby, Art & Design, praised the students’ dedication and growth.
“I’m so proud of my students,” Booth said. “Our classes are long and hands-on. We’ve spent hours together in the studio, and it shows in the work.”
“It’s emotional,” Colby added. “We’ve worked with many of them since freshman year. The talent and diversity in this program are incredible.”