The 2008 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition is showing in the Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) Fine Arts Center Gallery from April 2 through May 2. Claire Ashley, a professional artist and teacher at the Art Institute of Chicago whose work was shown in the Fine Arts Center Gallery earlier this year, was selected as the Guest Juror for this year and winners were announced at the opening reception April 18.
Prior to the show, during a submission week, students submitted their work (up to three entries per student). Over 100 individual pieces were adjudicated and pared back to about three dozen, which currently are on display in the Fine Arts Center Gallery. The exhibition includes sculptures, painting, digital media and other forms of artwork.
Hamza J. Salim, one of the artists with a sculpture in the exhibition, was on hand to discuss his work and the show. His sculpture, entitled Chicago Park District, was inspired by “the whole idea of the shooting going on in Chicago.” Salim further said, “Because there is nothing safe. You think of the park districts in Chicago as places to go and hang out, but [they have become] more actually for gangs and a place to do drug deals. Just the whole idea that trees can grow in the park, even though it is not a safe environment for people.” Salim has just recently gained senior status as a student and will have his senior exhibition next fall.
The Fine Arts Center Gallery has showing hours Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. More information regarding Claire Ashley can be found at www.claire-ashley.com/ and more information regarding the 2008 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition can be found at www.neiu.edu/~art/gal.html