Art students to exhibit works in museum's 99th annual exhibition

The School of Art & Art History is preparing for its annual student art exhibition Friday.

The 99th Annual School of Art & Art History Student Exhibition is returning to the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art to feature works of art created by some of the school’s students.

Starting in late November, students interested in the exhibition entered up to three pieces of their artwork to guest judge Tony Tiger to be showcased in the exhibition, said art museum ambassador Jessica Farling. Someone who isn’t affiliated with OU, such as Tiger, is invited each year to ensure the artwork selected is completely unbiased.

“The selection process is nerve-wracking,” said Alex Healey, a studio art and art history senior and repeated exhibitionist.

The works that will be on display include photography, ceramics, paintings and multimedia works, Farling said.

This year’s show will have larger scales of work and more film pieces than last year. There are larger paintings and drawings, and unlike last year, some visual communication students entered their work, Farling said.

“It will be a very well-rounded exhibition,” said Michael Bendure, director of communication for Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

Though the pieces are on display, the artists have to briefly explain their piece to the judges, Healey said.

Students participating in the exhibition have the opportunity to win multiple awards, such as cash prizes or the top award, the T.G. Mays Purchase Award, Farling said. The T.G. Mays Purchase Award is offered to one student, whose artwork becomes part of the museum’s permanent collection.

The prizes are offered by the museum, School of Art & Art History and the Norman Arts Council. There are 13 prizes awarded to students, Farling said.

However, students aren’t involved with the show just for the prizes but more for the experience and chance to showcase their work.

“It’s a prize in itself to have your work hanging in a gallery,” Healey said.

Those who work for the museum enjoy hosting the exhibition each year and feel that the exhibition is going to be very visually appealing for visitors, Bendure said.

Work to prepare the museum for the show began in early January, Farling said. The walls within the museum are moveable and were adjusted to the room to work better for the show. Afterward, the lighting was set up and the labels for the exhibit were completed.

“This show truly captures the spirit of young art students and really helps illustrate their progress to their professional development as artists,” Bendure said.

This annual exhibition is a great opportunity for students to get their artwork out there. Tiger, Joe Andoe, Sterling Gates, Sam Seig, Michele Mikesell and John Fincher have each participated in the show before and have all gone onto become famous artists, Farling said.

All are welcome to attend the exhibition, which will have a reception beginning at 7 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 8 p.m.

“I love going to the opening” Healey said. “It’s a fun social event for the entire art community.”

The event is free.

Tess Thomson

Tess is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Life & Arts Reporter.