The annual juried student art exhibit has been a tradition at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for many years. Held every January, the show invites art majors enrolled in foundationlevel classes through upper-level curriculums to submit up to two artworks that were created for class. These pieces are reviewed by a juror independent of UTC.
This year's show goes on view Tuesday evening in the Cress Gallery in the Fine Arts Center. A reception and awards ceremony will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
From the 145 artworks submitted, juror William T. Dooley selected 64 to be displayed. Dooley, director and curator of the Sarah Moody Gallery at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, was impressed with the level of competence in the submissions. He was charged with the task of eliminating almost two-thirds of them, due to the limitations of available gallery space. The works he did choose conveyed a strong sense of draftsmanship, design and self-expression, he said in his juror's statement.
"These explorations with materials, process, concept and content are potent," he said. "I appreciate the craftsmanship of many pieces here, and I am encouraged by a sense of questioning and discovery found in the works submitted."
In addition, Dooley tried to pick artworks that offered diversity in subject and approach.
Media represented in the show include works on paper, photography, ceramic vessels, oil and mixed-media paintings, artist-designed books, jewelry, sculpture, graphic design, installations and video documentation of performances.
Dooley also designated six outstanding students to receive awards.
"While the exhibit is always provocative and popular with visitors to the Cress Gallery, UTC student art majors gain important professional experience through its process," said Ruth Grover, curator of Cress Gallery. "This year's show presents a wide array of discipline and media-based works that reference and find place in the broader issues and current trends of contemporary art and studio practice."
The exhibit will remain on view through Jan. 29. Cress Gallery, in the Fine Arts Center at the corner of Vine and Palmetto streets, is open 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call 304-9789 for information.