Is one day starting to fade into the next? Are your surroundings getting a little mundane? Picasso said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” He might not have known about the MICA graduate-level artists’ exhibits at the time he said this, but it would have been just the type of solution for your ennui that he’d have in mind.

Beginning on February 24, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) graduate students will showcase their work across campus and Station North venues until June 13. Exhibits include paintings, sculpture, photographic media, graphic designs, social design projects and installations.

Many of these artists seek to have a positive impact on everyday lives by creating works that reflect ways that art can influence and improve communities. Some of the pieces portray troubling aspects of our community, such as Kim Llerena’s inkjet print from scanned negative of a dilapidated home interior with a crumbling, flaking ceiling. Other works are more uplifting,  such as Michelle Nugent’s ink and gouache paint portrait of family with pet that conveys a sense of fullness and satisfaction.

Graduating students will show their thesis works in Off the Rails, a series of three exhibitions. The works will be discussed at Gallery Talk sessions throughout March and April.

MICA’s galleries are free and open to the public Mondays through Saturdays, 10am – 5pm, and Sundays, 12 – 5pm. For a complete schedule of openings and receptions visit MICA’s website.

So brush aside the cobwebs of late winter doldrums to take a fresh look at life MICA-style.