Annual Juried Student Exhibition now open at Gardiner Gallery
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu
The 43rd annual Juried Student Exhibition opened at Oklahoma State University’s Gardiner Gallery of Art April 18.
The exhibition features pieces ranging from motion animation to ceramic sculpture from 55 undergraduate students in OSU’s graphic design and studio art programs.
“I firmly believe that higher education is about empowering students to empower themselves, and the Annual Student Juried Exhibition plays a pivotal role in that mission,” said Chris Whittey, Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History head. “Students submit their best work, which is then judged by professionals in the field who are invited to OSU for that purpose. Some of the work is accepted while some is not, and both outcomes build agency.
"It is a powerful note that their work is valued in the field for the students whose work is accepted. For those whose work is not, this is a lesson in tenacity and that one picks oneself up and moves forward. Both scenarios are part of being a professional in the fields of art and design.”
Graphic design junior Gretchen Nantz had her piece, "Leandra," featured in the exhibition.
“By having my work included and judged, it helps me feel prepared for when I graduate,” Nantz said. “By participating, I am hoping to get a place in the show to include on my resume. The show also gives me experience in preparing work for a gallery show because all submitted work must be gallery ready.”
The students’ work was assessed by two external jurors, Jason Alejandro and Laura Primozic George. Alejandro, a graphic designer and assistant professor at the College of New Jersey, juried the graphic design portion and said the work he saw was impressive.
“While assessing the work, I looked for entries that indicated a unique presentation of content and form,” Alejandro said. “Students submitted works on paper, wood, metal, fabric and glass. It was obvious that craftsmanship and creativity were on full display in the submissions I evaluated.”
Primozic George is the facilities coordinator at the Wonsook Kim School of Art at Illinois State University. She assessed the studio art pieces and said that the students’ work encourages visitors to think deeper about art in relation to the cultural landscape.
“The exhibition invites viewers to engage in critical reflection on the intersections of gender, power and land, and to contemplate the ongoing struggles for justice, autonomy and environmental stewardship,” Primozic George said. “Through the interplay of symbolism, emotion, lived experiences and imagination, these students have crafted artworks that transcend the confines of the gallery, initiating dialogues, evoking empathy and leaving lasting impressions on those who engage with this exhibition.”
A reception will be held at 3 p.m., April 28, at the Gardiner Gallery in the Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts with an awards ceremony to follow. Departmental scholarships, outstanding seniors and 24 prizes for the juried exhibition will be announced.
The exhibition is open to the public and will be on view through May 3.
Learn more about the Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History by visiting the department’s website.
Story By: Erin Weaver, CAS Communications Coordinator | erin.weaver@okstate.edu