CSM Students Showcase Talent at the Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit

Student artwork fills the walls and pedestals of the Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) La Plata Campus, showcasing the accomplishments of visual arts students.

The Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit features works across a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, and sculpture.

CSM Visual Arts Professor Andrew Wodzianski said the exhibit highlights a wide range of artistic styles, allowing students to showcase their individuality and personality. He added that exhibiting work in a professional setting is a valuable experience beyond a successful class project.

“Student artwork in this juried gallery setting can transcend confidence,” Wodzianski said. “Beyond meeting an assignment objective, there's consensus from the entire art department that this artwork is good and needs to be shown to a wider audience."

For many students, this exhibition marks their first opportunity to present work in a gallery. Ingrid Haslerud is majoring in computer science but began studying art this year. She has several pieces in the exhibit, including black-and-white photographs and a coil pot.

“I never imagined this would be something I’d try, so it feels cool,” Haslerud said. “It’s something that I love to do. I love expressing my inner feelings and putting myself into my work.”

Haslerud was selected to receive the Walter B. Grove II Memorial Art Scholarship, established in 1999 by Walter and Jane Grove in memory of their son, Walter Two, who earned an associate degree with an emphasis in studio art. The award supports visual arts students.

“It’s absolutely incredible to be selected,” Haslerud said. “It takes a lot of financial stress off me, and I am absolutely grateful that I got picked.”

The exhibit is open during campus hours through May 7. Student award winners will be announced during a reception on Thursday, April 16, at 2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.