The University Art Department continues to celebrate the work of students in the 19th Annual Art Student Exhibition until Feb. 3.
Gallery Coordinator, Studio Art Technician and Ceramics Professor Sara Clark explained the importance of the tradition:
“It’s important for people to see what our students are doing.” She said. ‘They are some of the best students collegiately; they can hold their own in the state for sure. It’s a good experience for them.”
Clark continued, explaining more of how the exhibition benefits SVSU students.
“It’s kind of like learning outside the classroom, and it’s something that we want to encourage them to continue to do throughout the course of their careers.” She said. “I mean, this is why we do this: for people to see our work and hear what we have to say.”
The gallery began on Jan. 8, and the reception took place on Jan. 18 from 4-6 p.m. It took many people to organize the event: the students with their art submissions, jurors, and the Department Chair Shaun Bangert.
“My job was to advertise to the students that the show was happening.” Clark said. “I needed to make sure that all of the instructors knew about it and that they encouraged their students to apply because a lot of our students are really bashful and reluctant to put their work out there, but this is why we do this.”
Clark also organized the jurors, did publicity for the event, set up the artwork in the gallery, and organized the reception so the artists could have the opportunity to communicate their artwork with visitors.
“I’m really proud of them. So many of them are just babies getting started, and to be there to encourage them is really important to me,” Clark said. “I’d give them all the world if I could.”
Fifth year Finance major and artist Stephanie Walker talks about her experience in the art department:
“This gallery really pulls in everyone who wants to be part of the art department community.” Walker said “I think that means a lot, especially because I feel like we’re one of the only departments that has a sense of community where we all work together and try to help each other as much as we can.”
It is a requirement to be an art major or minor to submit art for consideration in the gallery. This year, 44 students submitted work and only 42 got in. There are 77 pieces of work on display in the gallery.
“[People should visit the gallery] just to see the art or the talent that’s just wandering around the SVSU campus,” Walker said. “I don’t think a lot of people realize the amount of talent that some people who walk by on campus have, and by coming here you’d be able to see what they are capable of.”
Despite the many pieces on display, there are only three winners: Best in Show has a $200 cash prize, 2nd place has a $100 cash prize, and 3rd place has a $50 cash prize. Juror’s Choice awards $25 gift cards to those selected.
“The gallery is free and open,” Clark said. “I just hope more people come and find a peaceful place to take a breath.”