By: Justin Janorschke
Missouri Western’s art students had reason to celebrate as they held an open house to show off their pieces in Western’s Juried Art Show. An annual event, students submitted their works to be put on display in Potter Hall, as well as be judged by an outside artist. Community members were invited to the show to pass their own judgement, as well as enjoy refreshments.
Potter Art Gallery Director Rebecca Foley was on hand during the event, and was able to describe the process in which the students’ pieces were chosen to be displayed.
“We give the students an opportunity to submit work that they are proud of to an outside juror, who is an art professional within the region,” Foley said. “That juror selects work to be displayed here in the gallery, which is a professional opportunity for the students. The art department is really proud of our students and it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase what they do.”
The juror also selected several students’ art works to receive special honors at the event. While no scholarships were given out to students whose work received this special recognition, they did receive prizes.
One such student was J.D. Soil, who had several pieces of artwork on display, including a painting that was selected to receive additional honors from the juror.
“This piece to me represents my connection to my creativity and my spirituality,” Soil said. “I feel like those things work together and compliment each other. I love this piece, it’s my favorite piece. I love that people see the beauty in it I see.”
Paintings were not the only things being displayed in the gallery. Artistic photos, award-winning graphics and even wine bottles were shown.
Kelsey Trueblood, a junior studying Graphic Design, had a promotional poster she designed on display.
“My art piece was made through Illustrator and it was supposed to be for the AIGA Conference,” Trueblood said. “I’m very proud to see it displayed; I’ve never gotten anything in here, it’s my first show, so it’s pretty cool to see it come through and see my work be shown.”
Besides being an opportunity for the students to show off their work to peers, the show was a good way to show friends and family members the fruits of the students’ labor. In all, the show was a great chance for students to build their portfolio and exhibit their art while having a good time.