The Southwestern Michigan College art department kicks off the 2012-2013 season with a special exhibit featuring several former SMC art students.

The “Reconnected: Artists and Mentor” exhibit runs through Oct. 5 in the art gallery. An artist reception will be at 12:30 p.m. Thursday. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

Organized by Professor Emeritus David Baker, this exhibition brings together a group of SMC alumni working across a diverse range of studio practices. Artists include Nathanael Anderson, Arianne Baker, Alexandra Chapman, Joseph Fralick, Rebecca Hunt, James Kimbler, Alissa Lamarre, James Lee, Kristen Maniscalco, Matt Maniscalco, Linda Rivera, Darren Smith, Bonnie Young and others.

“Imaginative Clustering,” an exhibit opening Oct. 11 in the art gallery, will feature artist Sandra Ginter. Ginter’s works in clay explores aspects of youth and growth, investigating the bonds that surface from both. The exhibit runs through Nov. 16 with an artist reception at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 17.

The art gallery is located in the Dale A. Lyons Building, Room 108 on the Dowagiac campus.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment. All receptions are held in the art gallery at 12:30 p.m.