The All-Student Juried Art Exhibition showcases the talent, creativity and dedication of the artistic pursuits of Stetson students. Now in its 32^nd year, the All-Student Exhibition features traditional art mediums, such as paintings and ceramics alongside multimedia installations and digital artwork.

A celebration of the students’ artwork and the announcement of this year’s winners will be held on Thursday, Nov. 18, during an Open House, starting at noon. Visitors are welcome at the Hand Art Center from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  The art center asks that masks be worn while inside the building.

The Hand Art Center received submissions from across the DeLand campus and tasked this year’s juror with deciding what artwork made the cut. The installation includes artwork from over two dozen Stetson undergraduates, including contributions from students majoring in the departments of Biology, Health Sciences, Business Systems and Analytics, Environmental Studies, World Languages, Music and Cybersecurity.

Recognition and awards will go to a few of these talented artists, including the coveted “Ann West Hall Purchase Award,” which was established to add student artwork to the permanent collection of Stetson University, and is responsible for many of the student artworks displayed in buildings across campus.

The juror, Meredith Lynn, is an artist, curator and educator, based in Tallahassee. Lynn is currently the assistant curator and director of Galleries at the Florida State University College of Fine Arts. Lynn provided the following statement on the jurying process and the art submissions:

“The past two years have been difficult, but from the work submitted to this exhibition, it is clear that students at Stetson University have turned to creative outlets during a challenging time.

“The work in this show has several themes: engagement with the natural world, an interest in portraying human connection, and striving to make sense of an environment that is out of our control. The work is timely and shows how young artists are influenced and inspired by contemporary events and the big questions they drive us to: How do we make sense of a chaotic present? Can we shape a changeable future?

“The students in this exhibition are using resourcefulness, creativity and compassion to imagine different worlds, connect with and celebrate others, and place themselves in their local environment. The inquisitive spirit of the artists is apparent, as is a sense of generosity. In the work, the students are finding joy and humor as well as pain and uncertainty, and are grappling with issues that are both universal to young adulthood and specific to this particular moment. It is exciting to see the students of Stetson University confront these conversations, and I look forward to seeing the work they will make as they continue on their paths.”

Please drop by the Hand Art Center at your leisure on Thursday, Nov. 18, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to help celebrate the creative achievements of Stetson students. The exhibit will remain up until Dec. 4. You can also view the exhibit’s webpage: https://www.handartcenter.org/student-exhibit-32.

-James Pearson
Director, Hand Art Center