WUD Art Committee hosts 80th annual student art show

The Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Art Committee at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will host its 80th annual student art show at the Memorial Union in April.

The event, coordinated by WUD Art Committee members Louisa Brower and Rebecca Benshoof, features UW–Madison student artists in a competitive, juried exhibition.

Any enrolled UW–Madison undergraduate, graduate or special student with a valid student ID is eligible to enter up to three original pieces. The committee is accepting work entries from noon-4 p.m. on Friday, March 28, and from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the Memorial Union. The artwork will be judged on Monday, March 31, and artists whose work is chosen will be displayed in the Porter Butts and Class of 1925 galleries, located on the second floor of the Memorial Union.

Fourth-year Wisconsin Union art and film adviser Robin Schmoldt emphasizes the event is a good opportunity for student artists to gain recognition.

"There is a lot of local interest from students, faculty and staff, but we also get a lot of art patrons from the community," says Schmoldt. "The artwork is available for purchase and it’s often the first major sale a student will have."

This year’s judges include Barbara C. Buenger, a professor of art history, and Jacob Stockinger, the arts and culture desk editor at The Capital Times. The judges will select the Sally Owen Marshall "Best in Show" award. Featured artists are also eligible to win Committee Choice and purchase awards. Artwork acquired through purchase awards will become part of the Wisconsin Union Art Collection, which is one of the largest collections of original art in the state featuring more than 1,300 pieces.

"We’re going to have refreshments and a live music venue for opening night this year," says Brower, who will assist in coordinating the entire layout of the exhibit in just three days following the juried selection. "We generally receive a lot of high-quality work from students and we try to bring in a crowd so the artists get the recognition they deserve."

The opening reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 4, with winners announced at 7 p.m. The artwork will remain on display through Thursday, April 24.