The University of North Alabama’s Department of Visual Arts and Design is currently hosting its newly branded annual student art exhibition, named “Is It Art Yet?” The exhibit opened on Sept. 29 and will continue to be open until Oct. 17.
The exhibit aims to highlight various types of media from all levels and majors. Submissions were open from Sept. 18 through Sept. 20. The only submission requirement was that students had to have been enrolled in at least one art course.
“Showing our work to the public is a pretty major part of our field,” said Dr.Chen, a UNA art professor and Executive Director of University Galleries. “After they graduate, students will enter a world of competitions and juried shows. We want them to experience that process now, selecting, presenting and submitting their work according to professional guidelines.”
The juried exhibition is designed to mirror the same experience as a professional competition. Students were required to prepare a physical submission and had to meet certain standards to be included in the gallery.
An Artist Reception was held for the community to meet the artists and attend an awards ceremony on Oct. 10. The exhibit featured two categories of awards: Beginning Level and Advanced Level, to recognize students at different stages in their art journeys.
The gallery showcases a wide variety of media, including oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, photography, ceramics, 3D assemblage and fashion designs. This is the first time fashion design students have submitted sketches and design pieces for the show.
“This is a very welcoming signal to the department,” said Chen. “For the first time, our fashion merchandising majors are seeing their creativity as an integral branch of the arts. Designers are artists and artists are designers.”
Previously, the exhibit collaborated with “Lights and Shadows” literary magazine and showcased winning pieces in the printed magazine. The rebranding was a fresh start for the show while maintaining the same traditions of putting students’ artwork on display. The rebranded name “Is It Art Yet?” gives a contemporary feel that connects with today’s students. “Even though the name is new, the tradition of a juried student exhibition continues,” said Chen.
The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For anyone who would want to view the exhibit outside of the regular hours, they can contact the Department of Visual Arts and Design at 256-765-4384 to make specific arrangements.
