On Thursday, April 28, advanced Saint Louis University studio art majors have an opportunity to display their talents for the University community at the Student Art Exhibition in Boileau Hall from 9-11:30 a.m.
The exhibition gives the campus community the chance to look at the students’ art prior to the opening of the exhibit to the public. Students can buy art, ranging in price from $20 to $600, or merely view the drawings, sculptures, painting, prints and photographs available.
In addition, departments are encouraged to purchase students’ pieces to be displayed in offices around campus, creating and atmosphere of commitment to the students that the departments serve.
According to Sharron Pollack, Studio Art program director and associate professor of Studio Art Fine and Performing Arts, the exhibition that started 41 years ago is an opportunity for students to begin the shift from the classroom to the real world.
“Within the context of our local conditions, students are able to begin imagining a transitional audience for their work that exists outside the instructional studios,” Pollack said.
Students must go through a rigorous selection process, called the jury process, to exhibit their work. Students submit pieces to compete for limited number of spaces in the display; then this jury decides on the pieces most worthy. This experience fosters an awareness of the way organizations select entries in local, regional and national juried exhibitions.
Any student taking studio art classes, whether a major, minor or visual communication certificate student, or a student taking a single class may submit to the exhibition. However, with stiff competition, the exhibition primarily displays work of advanced members of the fine arts community at SLU.
“We have about a dozen senior studio art majors this year, and they will be displaying their most recent art work in the exhibit.
This show serves as a culmination of their work in the studio art program, so the seniors are the standouts in this exhibition,” Pollack said.
The exhibition concludes hours of developing artistic skills and techniques; however, artists are still open to learning experiences.
“By going to an exhibition, analyzing the artwork and asking student artists questions about their work, the students benefit from the viewers input,” Pollack said. “An exhibition space is where the student work finally meets the audience.”
The student art on display is not limited to paintings or photographs. Ceramic/sculpture, prints, drawings, paintings, photographs, digital artwork and graphic design are all represented at the exhibition.
In addition, fiber and metal pieces representing the Craft Alliance Grand Center and SLU conjunction will be available in the display.
Other events are planned for the weekend. On Friday, April 29, a reception will be held in Boileau Hall from 4:30-7 p.m. to acknowledge submitting artists and open the show to the public.
In addition, purchase awards, merit awards and collector awards are given at a ceremony. Refreshments will be served for all in the SLU community who wish to attend.
Pollack said that attending the Student Art Exhibition will increase respect for diversity in lifestyles and majors at SLU.
“It is important for the SLU community to recognize students in various disciplines, so it is important that the talents of students in the fine arts are acknowledged by the SLU community,” Pollack said.
