ASHLAND — Ashland University’s annual Juried Student Art + Design Exhibition opens on Tuesday, March 12, with a reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Coburn Gallery, located in the Center for the Arts (331 College Ave.). Gallery admission is free and open to the public.
This exhibition, which runs from March 12-April 2, represents a culmination of student work from university art classes during the academic year. It is an opportunity for art students to take their best artwork from the year, learn how to professionally present it for display and then receive feedback from an outside art professional.
Approximately $1,000 in awards will be distributed to student artists, including for Best in Show, Honorable Mentions, Bernini Award, Dean’s Award, Wink Alumni Award, Saville Award and the People’s Choice Award. The awards will be revealed during the opening reception, with the exception of the People’s Choice Award that will be posted on the Coburn Gallery’s Instagram account on March 27.
Generous donations from Wendy and Scott Schaller, Michael Bird, Kaylin Henry and other private donors have allowed the university to offer these awards.
The outside juror for the exhibition is Kit Palencar, a northeast Ohio artist who currently serves as exhibitions manager at the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center. A talented painter and drawer, he has exhibited in galleries across the region and has collectors from around the globe. Palencar has taught foundation drawing and life drawing courses at his alma maters University of Akron, where he earned a bachelor’s in fine arts, and Kent State University, where he received a master’s in fine arts. He also teaches a visual art aesthetics course through AU’s Correctional Education program.
“The exhibition is an excellent opportunity to support the arts by purchasing a student artwork, whether you are just starting to collect art or adding to a collection,” said Cynthia Petry, director of the Coburn Gallery.
The Coburn Gallery is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and noon-4 p.m. on weekends. For more information about the exhibition, call 419-289-5652 or visit the gallery’s Facebook or Instagram pages.