Fine Art faculty members selecting work for the annual Student Exhibition.
The Art Gallery at Sussex County Community College (SCCC) will present the 21st Annual AFA Fine Arts Students Exhibition from May 4 to June 18, 2012.
The exhibition features more than 60 works of art created by students of the Associate of Fine Arts degree program. Painting, drawing, sculpture, digital fine art and photography are represented among the works selected for this year’s show by a jury of Fine Art faculty members who are also professional artists. Julie McWilliams, Coordinator of the Fine Arts Degree Program, comments, “It is important for all artists to see their efforts displayed in a professional gallery setting and to compare their work with their peers.” Gallery Coordinator Douglas Petersen adds “The Fine Art students at SCCC have chosen to commit to a serious study of art. This exhibition reflects the effort they have made throughout the year to produce work with the professional finish expected of an artist. Given the rigorous standards applied to the selection process, it’s considered a high honor to participate in this exhibition.”
The public is invited to the exhibition’s opening reception on Friday, May 4 from 6-8pm in the C Building Gallery at SCCC.
The Evolution of Sussex County Community College’s Student Show (The following review was prepared by SCCC Fine Arts Student Nadine Stevens)
The 21st Annual Student Show is a testament to the growth and refinement that has occurred within Sussex County Community College’s Art (S.C.C.C) department. Originally held in the lobby and hallway of the main (B) building, the art department’s show venue has undergone some considerable alterations. What began as a humble and all inclusive show has exploded into an annual extravaganza which displays and honors the artistic talent passing through S.C.C.C. . The current showcase is held in the college’s own art building (C) which has been preparing for weeks for this year’s show.
In 1991, Julie McWilliams; a highly credentialed and admired painter, professor and gallery coordinator was asked to develop a student show for the art and design program which at that time were fused programs. The original show, which had been described as a “behemoth task” and was “overwhelming at times and difficult to coordinate.” 21 years later the gallery and yearly exhibition, (under the direction of Gallery Coordinator Douglas Petersen) has evolved into an organized launching place for artists. Together, the team has worked hard to meet the rising demands of students and to institute necessary changes to create a sensational show.
The requirements for participation have become increasingly stringent over the years. These changes which include participation in matting and framing workshop have helped students prepare professionally to become serious enough to make it in the world of art. McWilliams, who is the Art Department program’s director, has been devoted to the success of the student show since the earliest moments. Regarding the changes such as limiting the work to senior art students, using a jury for the selection and scaling down the size of the show, McWilliams has asserted, “The needs of the students prompt everything. Students who are serious about themselves as artists, looking to take up lives in communities that will likely ignore most of their aesthetic interests, need a venue that is entirely their own… One that encourages creativity but is also honest about how the art market is played.” These changes assure a professional feel for the gallery, and a cleaner look for the exhibition.
Alumni student Victoria Ellman, a prior graduate of arts recalled her own struggles with displaying in one of the original shows. When asked to display her art, she remembers the changes after struggling over perfecting her matting and framing only be overwhelmed with “feeling insulted… [that promising] work would be displayed next to [inadequate pieces.]” The department has responded by transforming the all-inclusive show to a faculty juried one. The progressions made in the selection process elevate both the privilege and experience for participants. This year’s reception which echoes those of New York City will bring a variety of wonderful people and food, to enjoy the art and anticipated DJ.
Amanda Predmore, a well-known face and artist within the art department and community at S.C.C.C. recalls “[Having] a greater appreciation and understanding of the importance of just participating in the show, as well as the honor of actually having work chosen to be included… It is generally a quite festive event that a lot of work goes into.” Predmore, a past student, volunteers in the assembling of the show and seems to personally endeavor to make sure students are prepared and involved in the exhibit. Having participated in a prior annual student show, as well as having her own exhibit shares of the event, “Most students don’t know what to expect.” Having participated in the student show has helped Predmore personally further her career as an artist and “have a greater understanding of how to go about doing what is required.” After gaining “so much from being a student there,” Predmore continues to “show…support and attend the show.”
The Student show has been successful over the years, both for the gallery, and the artists who are given precedence over displaying fine art. McWilliams feels “It’s giving young artists a chance to get their feet wet in the art market, and it has even earned students and the school alike some money.” Most student work is for sale, and the gallery receives an extremely reasonable 30% compared to New York City galleries which often collect 60% on each piece of art sold. The money earned by the gallery is used to help further art and artists locally. It has been rumored that even the Dean and faculty have purchased student artwork for their personal collections.
While the process of the first student exhibitions has been abandoned to simulate a more legitimate experience, the joy and success which accompanied the first show has continued. McWilliams comments, “It’s the end of the school year, and we’ve all worked really hard. Some students are traveling to other colleges… some need to kick back for summer… but the show is always a celebration within our little art community. It’s a time to appreciate one another. It’s fun to invite friends and family [and the local community out to] celebrate the hard work that was done during the school year.”
Other Alumni, such as artist and Art Historian Michael Hughes, says of his experience displaying in the student show of 1996 and 1997; “It was exciting to see my work on display and get feedback from the public!” Last year Hughes was one of the four selected artists to display a solo exhibit. Now that he is a full time faculty member and student show juror, he says of the process, “I always come away from each show feeling like we’ve just mounted the best show ever!”
Hungry for support, S.C.C.C. artists seek a stronger audience in which they can express and discuss their art which they have worked so hard on. One lamentation of Ellman’s experience speaks to the heart of the student art experience; her wish for more of an interface with the local community. Ellman feels, “The community of Sussex seems to hold little interest in artists and their work…” although the response to the show has always been popular with families and friends, S.C.C.C. Art Department encourages all Sussex, Warren and Pike county residents to visit and view the thoughtful expressions of upcoming local artists.
If a theme dominates this year’s 2012 show, it is black and white works of art primarily compiled of photography, sketches, and pen and ink drawings. Student work has been selected by color, style, and subject to fit into a careful and concise show. The opening reception will be held Friday, May 4th at 6:00p in C Building but the exhibit will be open to the public for viewing until early June.
“The public has an invested interest in coming to the show, “says Hughes. “At times when higher education and especially the humanities have come under critical scrutiny, the student show remains a testament to the relevance and vitality of the Arts in Sussex County. “
McWilliams raises, perhaps, one of the most important reasons to attend the student show when she comments, “In general, this culture does not foster a real connection with art or artists… Good artists are the filters that assist the rest of the community in organizing and making sense of their world… The community needs to understand what young artists are attempting to say about themselves, about culture, about America and its place on the globe in the 21st century. It’s beginning here [at Sussex County Community College.]”
More information regarding the Art Department and Student Show can be found online at Sussex.edu/FineArts .
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