DeKALB | With money tighter than usual, purchasing artwork does not rank high on the list of priorities for many people. Art students, aware of this impression, have begun preparing for their future careers by displaying their work in local venues.

Fine arts professor Christian Arrecis said he stresses the value in acquiring career familiarity early on.

“It’s OK to start small; it’s important to gain any experience you can,” Arrecis said. “It’s about networking and seeing what other professional artists are doing so you learn how to do things on your own. People really don’t do it enough.”

Brock Hardnett, a senior fine arts major, currently has a collection of paintings on display at The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway. Hardnett’s paintings are reflective of the research he intends to conduct in Turkey about the fundamental differences between the U.S. and the Middle East.

“My work is split up into various sections that carries an overall theme of tolerance,” Hardnett said. “When I was overseas in Afghanistan, I spent a lot of time among radical Muslims. Our cultures really do not understand one another, and my work creates sort of a dialogue about that struggle.”

Hardnett said he encourages students to display their work as often as possible.

“Real career experience is important for anyone in college,” Hardnett said. “Putting up your work while you’re in school is great because you are among your peers; they’re your best critics. It also prepares you to figure out how you should price your work.”

Matthew Clark, venue coordinator volunteer at The House Cafe, said he is extremely impressed by the artwork that has come in from NIU art students.

“The talent level from the NIU students is incredible and very reflective of what is going on in the world,” Clark said. “It’s a great outlet for them to be able to hang their work on the wall because so many people are able to see it … We rotate our wall about every two weeks; it’s a good amount of time to gain insight from members of the whole community.”