Recent graduates Jessica Watson ’05 and Kenny Ditto ’06 share a passion for art, but go about creating it in vastly different ways. Their dual exhibit, “Reversed Polarity,” will be presented at the Carroll County Arts Council from Dec. 7-Jan. 16. An opening reception will be held 5-7 p.m. Dec. 8.

Watson, now a graphic artist for Solo Cup Company, favors vivid abstractions.

“Abstract paintings flow naturally, making painting a stress reliever and an enjoyment,” says Watson. “Kenny Ditto has seen my work and I’ve seen his, but we’ve never sat the two together. The title, ‘Reversed Polarity,’ signifies how different our work is from each other.”

Ditto’s work includes screen-prints and photographs of abandoned spaces. He hand binds images into books that he creates using an old hand-screw press.

“This is my first art show outside of college,” says Ditto. “I was honored to be asked to show my work, and I’m excited to have it viewed by the public.”

The former Studio Art major plans to attend graduate school in the future.

Ditto and Watson were brought together by Susan Williamson, the visual arts coordinator at the Carroll Arts Council. After watching a senior presentation for art students at McDaniel, she came up with the idea to present an exhibit featuring the graduates’ work because of their contrasting styles.

“Watson’s paintings are very bright, colorful, abstract and lively. Ditto’s work is more subdued, austere and cerebral,” says Williamson. “They are emerging artists, and we try to promote emerging artists at the art center. The Community Gallery is a new space where we can showcase smaller exhibits of fewer people.”

The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, call (410) 848-7272 or visit Watson’s web site, www.artisticescape.com.