The Orville Hanchey Gallery at Northwestern State University will showcase graduate student Derek Sarvis’ debut exhibition, “Impressed.” Running from April 7 to April 17, 2025, the exhibition presents a dynamic exploration of landscape painting, blending impressionistic techniques with the bold color sensibilities of mid-century color field painting.
Sarvis’ work invites viewers to look beyond the surface, uncovering the patterns and rhythms that define the natural world. His unique approach transforms landscapes into more than static images, challenging audiences to engage with the underlying visual energy of the environment.
An opening reception will be held on Monday, April 7, from 6-8 p.m., providing visitors an opportunity to meet the artist and experience the exhibition firsthand. The Orville Hanchey Gallery, located at 140 Central Ave. in Natchitoches, serves as a dedicated space for the NSULA Fine + Graphic Arts Department, hosting exhibitions for students, faculty, and visiting artists.
Sarvis shared his inspiration for the collection, stating:
“In creating these works, I discovered a real love for the genre of landscape painting and the elements of storytelling contained within it. But when sharing the story of a landscape, the ownness falls on the artist to do more than recreate a stagnant image; they must prove they understand the underlying visual rhythms and impressive nature of the world around them.”
The exhibition is free and open to the public.
