The Student Art Exhibition held its opening reception on Thursday, March 14 at 5 p.m. in the East Strawberry Stadium Contemporary Art Gallery (CAG). Over 300 art submissions were entered and reviewed by jurors. Out of that only about 135 pieces were accepted and displayed in the show.
Several students attended the reception to view their friends and peer’s artwork, along with faculty and parents. The submitted art came in all varieties. There were pieces made of metal, ceramic and wood, but there were also pieces made with pen, charcoal, graphite, pencil, paint, and photography. Several pieces were also hand sewn.
Although many pieces were submitted some faculty were disappointed  that many students didn’t take the opportunity to do so.
“I don’t understand why every student doesn’t submit at least one [piece of artwork], but 100 is respectable and enough for the jurors to go through,” said Dr. Dale Newkirk, director of the Student Art Exhibition.
The students in the show displayed dedication, time, and effort into their work. The crowd seemed to enjoy the work as well.
“I like the diversity of the talent of the students in the art gallery. I think they all did a terrific job,” said Veronica Gutierrez, junior general studies major.
Many of the students who came to view and support others were also in the show themselves.
“I like the art gallery, and I have three pieces in the show myself,” said Jennifer Reed, junior art education major.
Once the crowd got a chance to observe all of the student work, Dale Newkirk, the director of CAG, announced the winners.
The Foundation Award was awarded to Cara Phillips for her Fruity Color Wheel. However, Cara was not present at the reception.
Best of Show, New Media was awarded to Billy Nguyen and Best of Show, Graphic Design was awarded to Melissa Webber. Neither attended the reception.
Best of Show, Photography was awarded to Melanie Young and Best of Show, Printmaking was awarded to Aaryn Crews.
Best of Show, Drawing was awarded to Zach Slough and Best of Show, Painting was awarded to Alex Vasquez.
Finally, Best of Show, Overall Exhibition was awarded to Casey Ausman for his, “Heavy Wisp” made entirely of inflated latex balloons.
“It took me a lot of time. I had to come in here [Contemporary Art Gallery], and inflate all the balloons. Working from the base I attached each individual one until I felt it was finished,” commented Casey Ausman on his “Heavy Wisp”, winning piece.
Southeastern, students, faculty, family, and friends should all be proud of the student artists that submitted their work into the show.
The Student Art Exhibition will be open to the public through April 11.