THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The annual spring art exhibit showcasing the work of graduating art majors at California Lutheran University will run from April 25 through May 18.

An opening reception for “Sprezzatura” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 26, and a “meet and greet” will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 11, in The William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art.

“Sprezzatura” means “the art of appearing effortless” in Italian. When used in describing art, Sprezzatura refers to the bravado an artist demonstrates in creating a piece, whether through a dashing stroke of paint, a fluid sculpting of clay, or a swift and precise capture of an image photographically. The students hope to display a sense of this quality in their work, presenting a show that looks beautiful and painless but took the last four years to achieve.

Lauren Cabral of Santa Paula will exhibit high-contrast charcoal and graphite drawings inspired by her emotions. Felicia Castro of Port Hueneme explored a surrealistic theme in a variety of mediums. Joseph Clarkson of Virginia Beach, Va., assembled works ranging from traditional to graphic styles inspired by his love of the sea, facial hair and the human form. Andrew DeGoede of Gig Harbor, Wash., based his series of representational realism paintings on the lost paintings of Johannes Vermeer. Chelsea Fletcher of Goleta will exhibit a sculpture and other works inspired by her love of nature. The paintings and photographs of Brittany McGinley of Woodland Hills focus on her Mexican heritage and the human form. Allison Milward of Arnold will showcase charcoal and graphic pencil drawings of her friends and family. Nicole Tracy of Palmdale will exhibit paint and pastel works focusing on the humanform in candid moments.

CLU’s Art Department is sponsoring the free exhibit and receptions. Art is available for purchase.

The William Rolland Gallery is located in William Rolland Stadium north of Olsen Road near Mountclef Boulevard on the Thousand Oaks campus. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and by appointment by calling 805-493-3697.

For more information, contact Kristi Colell at 805-797-3018 or kcolell@callutheran.edu or Andrew DeGoede at adegoede@callutheran.edu.