Tuesday night was the opening for the Annual Student Art Show, which featured art submitted by students.
Pieces included were not only by students who are currently enrolled in art classes, but also by students who are not.
Anyone was free to submit their work; they would just have to wait in anticipation to see if their piece would get picked to win a prize.
Once students submitted their artwork, they were eligible for an award.
Book awards and cash prizes were given out at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Categories consisted of painting and drawing, graphics (photo, printmaking and computer art) and sculpture and ceramics. The pieces were judged by alum, John Vanco, ’68. Vanco is the director of the Erie Art Museum.
Although the pieces selected by Vanco and art faculty were shown in the art gallery, some pieces that were submitted but not selected by them were still displayed in the hallways surrounding the gallery, which was called the “Salon des Refuses,” or “Exhibition of Rejects.” This is organized by the Student Art Society and is a tradition every year.
All of the art pieces, in the gallery and in the “Salon des Refuses,” come from many different ideas.
One of the winners, Marianna Kreidler, ’11, explained the idea behind her piece.
“I guess it supports daydreaming and sleeping during class, but I was really just trying to capture the emotion of the music and what I thought of when I let my imagination wander.”
The pieces can mean many different things to different people, which can make them difficult to judge.
Darren Miller, the gallery director, agrees.
“The thing that is different about art is that people have their own personal experience with it and everyone comes to art with their own ideas.”
The art was well received.
“It was interesting to see all the different work,” said Natalie Curtis, ’12. “Everyone has their own opinion on what art is, and it is interesting to see that.”
“All of the art in the gallery is great,” Kreidler said. “I was most amazed at some of the photographs, and I always wish there was more wall space in the gallery since there are many great works in the ‘Salon des Refuses’ as well.”
“It is always nice to win an award, and of course money, but this art show is a great place for talented students to showcase their work. Curtis said, “It gives a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their work for peers on campus.”
The student art will be on display in the art galleries in Doane Hall of Art until April 25.
The hours for the gallery are Tuesday through Friday 12:30 to 5 p.m., Saturday 1:30 to 5 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 4 p.m. It is free and anyone is welcome. All are encouraged to check out the great artwork and be amazed at what these artistic students have accomplished.
“This is our chance to share artwork with you,” said Miller.
Congratulations Prize Winners
Painting and Drawing
1st Place: Melissa Danielson
Honorable Mention: Sarah Holick
Graphics
1st Place: James Schwendener
Honorable Mention: Amelia Conte & Mirno Pasquali
Sculpture and Ceramics
Honorable Mention: Alex Lee & Chrisine Wusylko
Juror’s Prize: Lauren Quintrell