The Atkinson Gallery’s Annex will have its second opening April 17 to feature the artwork of three students chosen by Gallery Intern Brandy Harrison.

As the intern for gallery director Dane Goodman, Harrison gets to curate the exhibition in the Atkinson Annex, which is located in the conference room down the hall from the gallery.

One of her many duties was choosing the artists whose work would be in the exhibit.

“Last semester the artists’ work included print, collage, and sculpture, so this time I wanted to focus on painting and possibly ceramics, ” said Harrison. “I asked the art faculty and Dane for suggestions, went to a few classes to see some student work and got an idea of what I might show. I also thought about pieces from the previous student shows in the gallery that stood out to me.”

Harrison described the decision making process as easy.

“It wasn’t hard at all,” she said.

Harrison said that when she saw Brett, Shauna, and Mary Clare’s work together she knew that they would fit together perfectly.

“They each brought in their work and it all looked like it would go well together so… presto! Instant show!” Harrison said.

Brett Schoonderwoerd, a 25-year-old mixed media artist, said he is excited that his artwork is being featured in the student show. Schoonderwoerd, who had one of his pieces shown at the student show last semester, described his process of creating art simply.

“I do a print or spray paint whatever is lying around,” Schoonderwoerd said.

He said that he chose to work in mixed media because it was always most appealing to him.

“Its more of an experimental artwork-like playing around,” he said.

Schoonderwoerd, who is also studying graphic design, said he draws inspiration from everywhere, everyday, even if it’s just going outside.

“My mind is just constantly creating ideas for my artwork,” he said.

Schoonderwoerd’s favorite piece in the upcoming show is entitled “Boy,” featuring a photograph of a little Mexican boy reading a bible upside down, printed onto cork.

Mary Clare Castor, who is a stay-at-home mother of a toddler, started creating art when she was three years-old. And from what started with arts and crafts as a toddler turned into the “cathartic outlet and passion” of her adult life.

Castor has worked in several genres of art, including jewelry making, drawing, and ceramics. But for the last two years Castor has decided to focus on paintings.

“I wanted to explore 2-D art,” said Castor, who was just accepted into the Art Department at UCSB. “The vivid colors and fluidity attracted me to it.”

At the exhibit, Castor said you should expect to see bold colors and a lot of detail.

“I’m a detail oriented painter,” Castor said. “I range in subject matter but my favorite is geometric abstract.”

One of her pieces called “Dawn of a New Day” features an imaginary landscape, bold colors, and a detailed, illustrative subject matter. Another painting entitled “Emerging,” is a yellow geometric abstract that took Castor 10 hours to paint. All of Castor’s paintings are currently for sale, ranging from $150 to $350.

“Art is part of me,” Castor said. “When I don’t create I’m not really complete.”

Also featured in the exhibit is the art of Shauna Moses, who is displaying both paintings and ceramics.

Moses, who is majoring in art, said that although a lot of people think it takes a certain gift or a certain person to be an artist, she believes that everyone has the capability to create art. To her, it’s just a matter of practice.

“What you create might be different from everyone else’s,” she said. “But that’s what makes art such an important part of our society.”

All of Moses’ pieces remain untitled but the 21-year-old said that she paints mostly in acrylics, uses vivid colors, and specializes in painting the figure.

“It’s awesome to be able to be part of this community of art,” Moses said about the Annex’s show. “It’s what makes me happy.”

The artists will all have their work on display until May 14.