There are two new crayon drawings hanging on my refrigerator. My darling next-door-neighbor boys, Taylen and Easton, recently brought them over to cheer me up. “Grandma Jane” is thrilled with each new masterpiece added to the collection. At ages 3 and 4, they aren’t hampered by coloring within the lines or using proper colors for the images; they are thrilled with the simple joy of creating. I’m honored to display them.
That, too, is true of the artworks in the 38th annual Student Art Exhibition. While the works are more refined than those on my fridge, the design and color are unrestrained and delightful. The subjects vary from portraits of family, friends, and popular personalities to landscapes and abstract depictions. The mediums include drawings, sculptures, pottery and weaving, photography, and more.
Some of the works appear to be the direct result of visits to Woodson Art Museum exhibitions. One sculpture, Garbage Bag Bride, a collaboration by four 7-8 graders from Auburndale Middle School, likely was inspired by Redress: Upcycled Style by Nancy Judd, on view last spring.
There are birds, too. Whether the result of a visit to Birds in Art or complementary programs during the annual exhibition, it’s heartwarming that students take on the challenge of portraying the subject of the Museum collection’s focus.
Other works are influenced by popular culture, everyday objects, and the human body. The inspiration is endless – the creative outcomes extraordinary.
The 38th annual Student Art Exhibition features 150 works, a few too many to display on a refrigerator door, but the perfect number to experience during spring Museum visits. The exhibition is on view through April 4.
