BY SAMANTHA OHLSON
Drake University art students were honored at the 45th Annual Juried Student Exhibition on Sunday.
The exhibition featured 50 works by 29 students in the Anderson Gallery at the Harmon Fine Arts Center. Juror Matthew Harris, administrator of the Iowa Arts Council, selected these works from 98 pieces submitted by 38 students.
Any Drake student who had taken an art class could submit a piece they had created in a class. Those submitting pieces were able to elaborate and change their works before submission.
Jessica Podemski, a junior drawing major, said drawings and paintings were judged at the Anderson Gallery for judging, while sculptures were judged at the Studio Arts Hall. Judging lasted for three days.
Podemski, who had all three of her submissions accepted, said she was “really surprised” and “super happy” when she found out about the honor.
“I know that there are so many great artists at this school,” Podemski said. “It kind of reaffirms the fact that I am a good artist.”
Drake University President Marty Martin and his wife, Laura Martin, were at the gallery opening to present the Juror’s Choice Awards. The 11 awards went to 10 recipients who each received a certificate and $200 prize.
Recipients included Brett Budzinski, Olivia Hockey, Rachael Kreski, Linzi Murray, Ryan Topete, Hannah Erickson, Pamela Mulhern, Paul Brenin, Amy Matthews and Monica Campbell.
Hockey, who won for her untitled permanent marker piece, said she hadn’t thought much of her piece, but others kept telling her it had interesting qualities.
“I just find that piece to be so unexpected and different,” Hockey said. “I’m a little surprised, extremely excited.”
Hockey also had an acrylic on canvas work featured in the gallery.
Interim Provost Joseph Lenz presented the Provost Purchase Award to Emily Walton for her digital print on semi-gloss paper,“Swoosh, Vroom, Whoosh.” Walton’s work will be displayed in Old Main.
Friends of Drake Arts funded the exhibition. The Thad Archie Memorial Fund paid for the awards.
Heather Skeens is the director of the Anderson Gallery. Gallery intern Paul Brenin curated the exhibition.
The exhibition will be on display until March 25. The Anderson Gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday from noon- 4 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays.