This year marks the 17th year for Otterbein’s Juried Student Art Exhibition. The show kicks off Monday, March 3. The show allows Otterbein students to submit work of any form that is taught in their art classes.
According to art professor and show organizer Nicholas Hill, the show is important because it guides students through the process of entering pieces in shows.
“It allows students to get their feet wet if they need to enter pieces in shows after graduation,” Hill said.
This year, local artist Queen Brooks was selected as juror. She is an artist and art educator who has art permanently featured in the Columbus Museum of Art. Brooks has selected approximately 80 works from about 30 students to feature in the show.
Senior art student Suzanne Kelly submitted three pieces of art, including two oil paintings and a monoprint. Each was selected to be in the show.
Last year, Kelly was awarded a membership to the Ohio Art Council in recognition of her work. This is Kelly’s fourth year submitting to the Juried Student Art Exhibition, and she says she hopes to be recognized again this year.
Numerous awards will be given, including $100 and $50 prizes, multiple free memberships to local art groups and a $200 grand prize. Aside from winning awards, students also have the opportunity to sell their work at the show. They are permitted to name their own price, and if a piece sells, all proceeds go to the student.
Kelly’s art will not be for sale, as they are sentimental pieces that she plans to give to family members after the show.
Before enrolling as a student at Otterbein, Kelly owned a shop in Uptown Westerville. When it closed, she realized that it was difficult to find a job without a degree. Kelly says it is her dream to open a facility that uses art to help those suffering from addiction and depression.
Winners of various awards will be announced Friday, March 7 at the Juried Student Art Exhibition’s awards reception. The reception is open to the public at 3 p.m., and refreshments will be served.
The Juried Student Art Exhibition will be held in Miller Gallery in the Arts and Communication Building from March 3 to March 13. The show is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1-4 p.m. on the weekend.
Students whose work was not chosen for display in the Juried Student Art Exhibition still have the potential for their art to be seen. Each year the student art group Starving Artists hosts a Reject Show. This year, the show will be held in the Student Art Gallery, right next to Miller Gallery.
