The Spring Arbor University art department opened its semiannual Semester Art Show on Friday, Dec. 11, in Ganton Art Gallery. The show, held at the end of every fall and spring semester, provides students with the opportunity to showcase their work on campus.
Art for the show is selected from student submissions and judged by a visiting juror, who awards prizes to the best pieces. Gary Wertheimer, chair of the art department at Olivet College, served as this year’s juror. Wertheimer was assisted by his wife, Cynthia, a professional illustrator and adjunct instructor at Olivet.
“Gary and Cynthia spent a great amount of time with the show entries,” says Brian Shaw, chair of the SAU art department. “They analyzed and critiqued the work with a sensitive eye towards technique and creativity.”
Out of 220 submissions, the Wertheimers selected 97 pieces for the show. Of those 97, awards were given to the following students for individual pieces:
- Amanda Inks - Drawing
- Abigail Hagger – Drawing
- Kelly Smith – Drawing
- Scott Osborne – Drawing
- Amanda Bersinger – Color
- Rachel Pifer – Sculpture
- Annie Palasinski – Ceramics
- Andrew Outcalt – Ceramics
- Brianne Witt - Photography
- Stephanie Hemme – Photography
- Gloria Loucky – Photography
- Emily Smith – Painting
- Ethan Hatt – Graphic Design
- Kyle Ulrey – Graphic Design
In addition, the art department awards a $500 scholarship-based prize to the student with the most artwork present in the show. This semester, the scholarship recipient was Kyle Ulrey.
“This semester’s student competition was another fine example of the discipline and rigor of our program,” says Shaw. “Outside jurors, like Gary and Cynthia, confirm that the artwork meets a very high level of expertise. As always, I am grateful for the extra time our faculty spends with our students to push toward a high level of achievement.”
The show will be on display through January. The Ganton Art Gallery is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The exhibit and artists' talk are free and open to the public. For more information about the art show or Ganton Art Gallery, contact the SAU art department at 517.750.6580.
Article provided by English major, senior Chuck Monahan from Hudson.