Little kids running through the crowd, friends and couples chatting, and others simply standing, captivated by the surrounding artwork. The annual reception for the Student Art Show was in full swing.

The reception, held on the evening of November 11, served as a dual forum for student artists to express their individual passions, and a way for students who appreciate art to admire the work of their peers.

“I think people who never would have had the chance to do so otherwise were able to see and appreciate my work,” said senior and art major Zoe Sasson. “It’s a great opportunity to get your work out there, especially along with the work of others. The show was really great this year.”

Linoleum prints, photographs, sculpture, paintings, and ceramics struck the eye as students ambled around the display areas. Black and white drawings contrasted with watercolors and oil canvasses along the walls, creating an amalgamation of talent and expression.

The Student Art Show typically sees dozens of student entries, which are divided into 6 categories including 2 and 3-dimensional design, sculpture, photography, drawing, and painting. Only half are ultimately displayed to vie for recognition as one of 3 finalists in each category.

“By entering work into the show, students are able to become more conscious of their own process and by doing so gain greater integrity in creating their own work-that is they are able to use “visual languages” to clearly communicate themselves” said Assistant Professor of Art Kathryn Shields.

The anticipation and excitement of student artists was present in the room as the finalists were announced. The judging process took into account a number of criteria including creativity, technical skill, and how finished the piece was.

“It can be nerve-wracking when you enter something into the competition that the other professors haven’t seen” said senior Meredith Luby, an art minor who received an honorable mention in ceramics.

“The show allows a physical outlet for student work which provides tangible consequences and allows them to get a sense of the real world (of professional art)” said Hege Professor of Art Adele Wayman.

The visual aspect was not the only appeal of the show, with various heated discussions speaking to the thought-provoking nature of many pieces. Several pieces seemed to transfix reception attendees, such as Laura McGrath’s painting “Nearsighted” (which features a large pair of spectacles as its focal point) and Justin Poe’s “Heir” (a skeletal structure made from aluminum and wire). Lisa William’s “They Flock With Us” took the cake, winning the Student Choice for best drawing, as well as winning Best in Show for all categories.

“It (the show) is definitely encouraging for younger art students,” said Sasson. “The artwork is inspiring thanks to the high technical skill and experimental nature of many of the pieces featured.”

Evidence of the student artists’ commitment to their work was apparent across the board.

“Guilford has some very talented art students,” said senior and ceramics major Molly Spadone. “I want the community to see this. The student art show is a great opportunity to let school know how hard we work.”

Beyond the introspection induced by the works themselves was the sense of awe which permeated the crowd. While the quality and creativity of student artists was a factor in this atmosphere, the diversity of the oeuvres themselves contributed to a unique atmosphere. The variety of art present seemed to be a microcosm of the Guilford Community itself.

“While we (the judges) sometimes disagree about which pieces should receive awards there can be no doubt that these students gain a great deal of experience through these submissions” Shields said.

For non-artists such as myself there is also a benefit: A distinct feeling of community and an admiration for the work of these dedicated students.