FSU All Student Art Show Features a Variety of Works from a Variety of Students

FSU’s Department of Visual Arts is holding an All Student Art Show in the Stephanie Ann Roper Gallery. The opening reception was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 28.

The gallery holds close to 100 pieces of artwork created by FSU students of all majors as well as local high school seniors who have been accepted to FSU for the 2015-2016 academic year. Over $10,000 in art scholarships will be awarded through the show.  There were four categories of awards and scholarships for the show: 1. senior awards, 2. departmental scholarships, 3. scholarships for high school seniors who plan on attending FSU in the fall of 2015, and 4. show award winners. The Department of Visual Arts will award 11 scholarships, ranging from $300 to $1,000, from the FSU Foundation. Candidates for categories 2 and 3 are currently being approved by a separate committee.  Recipients of categories 1 and 4 are in the process of receiving their awards.  Their names have not yet been released.

The show, which is held annually, is open to all FSU students, whether they are art majors or not.  Area high school seniors who have been accepted to FSU receive invitations to participate in the exhibit.  Submissions are occasionally judged before entering the show, but this year the Visual Arts Department accepted all artwork submitted.

The work in this year’s show includes photography, paintings, 3-D works, and clay models. Each student’s talent shines.  Most of the pieces are similar in size, except for a few paintings: “Ping, Went the Pond” and “Gum Daisy Luv” by senior Parris Ashley and “Takes Two to Swing” by Ashley Jones particularly stand out for their large sizes.  Ashley’s pieces are created with acrylic paint. Jones’ piece is made with chalk.

Ashley, 32, is a senior at FSU who plans to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Fine Art and a minor in Art History.  In 2004, Ashley moved to Frostburg from Detroit, where he leaves behind one mural.  Murals by Ashley in Frostburg include an 800 square foot masterpiece at the Frostburg Public Pool.  It contains nearly fifty sea creatures and their scientific names.  A 10 by 8 foot acrylic painting can also be found at Wild Things Restaurant and Bar.  This painting glows under the black light and features life-sized rainforest animals.

Having been a professional artist for 15 years, Ashley will finally be able to turn his art into a career after graduating from FSU. Ashley’s paintings are available for purchase as prints.  Those interested in contacting Ashley or viewing more art can visit www.parrisashley.com.

Jones, a senior at Allegany High School, began “Takes Two to Swing” about a month prior to the show.  She worked on her chalk masterpiece in Mrs. Sharon Schade’s Level 4 art class.  Art 4 is the highest art class Allegany offers to students.  Jones has been accepted to FSU for the fall semester of 2015 and is considering a major in art or design.  She hopes to enter other artworks in other shows.

According to Professor Dustin Davis, sales are encouraged for the artists, although many are labeled NFS, or Not for Sale.  All sales are handled by student artists, but those interested in purchasing artwork may contact Davis at ddavis@frostburg.edu for more information.  Davis’ office is located in Fine Arts 106 B.

The exhibit will continue to be on display through Sunday, April 12 during gallery hours, Sunday through Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Featured image is “Woodelf” by Rhiannon Rhitenour.