Students from across campus will showcase exceptional works of art in the upcoming 59th Annual Juried Art Show.

Scott Stulen, curator of audience experiences and performance at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, hand-selected artwork to be exhibited in the student art show. Over 120 students submitted their work but only 27 were selected, totaling 36 pieces of art.

“This selectivity shows students that are accepted that there has been a critical eye that has looked through their work,” Jill Olm, associate professor of painting and drawing and interim director of Foster Gallery, said.

The student show may even provide opportunity to showcase artwork to future employers, creating connections and contacts with professionals, especially Stulen.

Stulen will choose a first, second and third place prize, as well as a handful of honorable mentions. These awards and some scholarship announcements from the art department will be presented during the opening reception from 7:30 to 9 p.m. April 7.

Opening night will be the most heavily attended reception, Olm said. The show hosts the most student work of the year and family and friends provide an excellent turnout, she said.

With no distinct theme, there are a range of works presented, including photography, two-dimensional works on paper such as paintings or drawings, sculptures and ceramics.

“The range of works this year represents our department well,” Olm said.

Students’ artwork campus-wide will be featured, both art students and students from other disciplines. Olm said it is exciting when non-art students’ work is selected because it encourages more students to submit their pieces.

“The student show is a great opportunity which gives students, myself included, the chance to figure out how to professionally display our work,” Nadean Marron, senior art student, said.

Marron submitted three pieces and her large abstract painting was selected. Not only is she participating in the gallery, but she also works with Olm in the process of setting the stage for the final showcase.

“I enjoy working with the installation of shows, talking to artists and doing behind the scenes sort of work,” Marron said. “The Foster Gallery opens students up to different types of art and provides a wider view of the arts.”

The Juried Art Show will run from April 7-27, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursdays 6 to 8 p.m. and weekends from 1 to 4:30 p.m.