Student artists at Western Carolina University will be recognized for their work at the awards ceremony for the 58th Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the WCU Fine Art Museum.
WCU’s Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition is one of the longest running art traditions for students. This exhibition allows WCU undergraduate students to share their artwork with a larger audience and enhance their skills in presenting art pieces in a professional gallery setting.
Selected works will be on view at the WCU Fine Art Museum from Feb. 17 to March 20.
“There is a little something for everyone when you walk into the WCU Fine Art Museum. It is always a highlight to see what is on our students’ minds and experience their passions and thoughts through their work,” Bardo’s marketing manager Rachel Hood said in an email.
Twenty-five students were selected for the exhibition, highlighting work across a range of media from 2D pieces such as painting, drawing and photography to 3D sculptures made from fabric, metal, wood and ceramic.
“This year’s ceremony, like many others, is always fun, with students sharing what they’ve created and the excitement of the moment,” said Hood. “It’s really a special moment to watch friends and loved ones learn about the process the students went through and what inspired the art they see on the wall.”
Entries are reviewed by an outside art professional who selects the works for exhibition at the WCU Fine Art Museum.
This year’s juror, Tracy Templeton, heads the printmaking program at Indiana University. Templeton is published in over 100 journals and exhibited her work in more than 150 shows internationally. Templeton will view the artwork in person and select the award recipients.
This exhibition includes awards across media categories, including two awards in 2D media, two awards in 3D media, one award in design, one award in time-based media and an overall “Best in Show” award.
Other awards are sponsored by the chancellor’s office and the dean of the Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts. Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and BCFPA Dean Jane Hughes will walk through the exhibition in person to select these awards.
“The awards ceremony is an important part of the exhibition because it not only gives students the opportunity to receive an award from an accredited museum but also highlights artwork made by students across disciplines,” Hood said.
Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be available at the reception. Free parking is available at the Bardo Arts Center parking lot at 199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee, North Carolina.
