Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: News

Japan sophomore Taro Takizawa views pieces by Katie K. Chichester and Katherine La Beau in the Juried Student Art Exhibition at the University Art Gallery on Tuesday afternoon. Takizawa, an art major has a print in the show, said "This is the first juried show I've turned in work and got accepted to." [Click to enlarge]

Students put their artistic talents in the spotlight for a chance to have their work in the public eye.

The annual All-CMU Student Juried Art Show, which started this weekend, will run until March 29 at the University Art Gallery.

In a juried show, a judge chooses the artwork that in their opinion is good enough for the show. Only 54 of the 130 entries were accepted.

"I was looking for an artist that was developing their own voice," said this year's judge, Armin Mersmann, artist and manager of the art school at the Midland Center for the Arts.

Mersmann also looked for craftsmanship, technique and experimentation. Once the individual starts working with concepts and techniques, he said, then a voice can be developed.

Armada senior Katherine Spinella has a book and a hanging-wall piece in the show. Both pieces have hand-made paper and printing on them.

"You never know (if you will be accepted)," Spinella said. "It's all based on chance."

University Art Gallery Director Cynthia Keefe said there will be a lot of awards given out to student artists during the open reception on March 15. The best in show will receive $250, while eight outstanding achievement awards worth $100 each also will be given out.

One student will win the library purchase award, which will put their artwork in the library's permanent collection, worth $250, Keefe said.

Two exhibition awards will be given out this year. Space Studio, 16 N. Winding Drive, in Midland, will give each student a one-person show.

"It's really a privilege and an honor to win an award," Keefe said.

Each student had to pay $5 to enter three items, said Grosse Ile senior Dan Janiten.

Janiten, who submitted three paintings and one print, said he did not expect to be accepted.

"I submitted in hopes of getting in, but if the money goes to students, it's worth it (to enter)," he said.

Mersmann said the artist who won best in show portrayed personal language. It showed a lot of maturity as an artist, he said.

"It was way beyond what I would call student work," he said.



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