arts assessment: knowledge demonstrated

The 22nd Annual Undergraduate Juried Exhibition is currently on view through March 4 in Rutledge Gallery at Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC.


Each year an outside juror is brought in to examine hundreds of entries by Winthrop's students from the Department of Design and the Department of Fine Arts and only the best works are chosen and showcased in this exhibit. As you might expect, the show is filled with really strong works of art, but I always entertain myself by seeing how many of my former students are represented. This year's exhibit features some really exceptional pieces created by a relatively large number of those former students. Out of 30 students selected for inclusion in this exhibit, 9 of those are former or current sufferers of my classes. These 9 students account for a total of 20 works of art in this show. They also pulled in several purchase awards, merit awards and the award for Best in Show. That's pretty impressive if you ask me.


I should explain that by teaching part time I encounter a small fraction of the students in our Departments. I've mentioned before that I tend to be very lucky in terms of the talent level of the students in my classes. I am in no way attempting to take any credit for how well these students have turned out....I'm only taking a moment to point out that they did, in fact, turn out well. Very well. All credit goes to the students and the many other teachers they've encountered.


Need some poor quality iphone photos to inspire you to come out and see the show? Well, I just happen to have some of those...

Katie Kath's mixed media work

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Huge sculpture by Nikki Patrick

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One of two great sculptures by the illustrious Molly Wise

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The second sculpture by Molly. These pieces earned her The Blue/Violet Award for Excellence

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This Justin Wilson sculpture won Best in Show

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Another great sculpture by Justin

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Erica Fleming's photo of a badger hand. Or bunny feet.

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4 - count them, 4 photos by Cameron Bunce from his travels to China

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Amanda Matthews' wax sculptures

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Brandon Oxendine (2 words from his self driven "word a day" project -www.awordaday.net)
by the way, Brandon is a great designer...web and graphics...and I hear he's looking for a job.

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Ashely Herron's print

Footnote:

To my knowledge, Cameron Bunce, Molly Wise, Brandon Oxendine & Justin Wilson are looking to enter the workforce in the coming months. If you or anyone you know is interested in hiring some really talented people, I can put you in touch with them.