By Alvis Allen/reporter

Students fascinated by art and museums or interested in seeing new things should visit the gallery exhibit on South Campus.

The work by artist and professor Janie Cavender is on display through Nov. 1 in the Carillon Gallery in the Joe B. Rushing Center for Performing Arts.

“ Art has always been my passion,” she said. “As a little girl growing up in Arkansas, I was always inspired by the pastor.”

Cavender said instead of words in messages, she has always used objects, which helped create her artistic statement.

“Teaching art for 29 years and the success of past students knowing how to produce successfully has inspired me to pursue my own dreams,” she said.

She said the moment that influenced her most was a message from her pastor titled “Walk on Water.”

“ In order to achieve success you must get out of your comfort zone,” her pastor said.

Two years after her vision, Cavender created one of her most popular pieces, also titled “Walk on Water.” It is also one of her favorite pieces.

Cavender said all her pieces have a message that at some point were inspired at church, but she likes for her audience to interpret their own meaning.

Cavender’s exhibit pieces feature concrete assemblages and watercolors. She said concrete is her favorite medium of expression “for the moment.”

Cavender said she experiments with her husband’s construction materials and that all details of her work are custom, right down to framework.

“ David [Cavender] is my partner. He does creative remodeling construction work, but designs all my wood and metal framework,” she said.

Carillon Gallery is open noon-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

For more information on Cavender and her work, visit www.cavendercreations.com.