Washburn University’s art department hosted the annual student exhibition that features artwork from the department’s students, which opened Feb. 5 and goes until March 5.

The reception began at 5:30 p.m. and went until 7:30 p.m., beginning on the main floor of the Mulvane Art Museum and then continued upstairs. The event was free to the public with hors d’oeuvres available for the attendees.

The juror for the event was Michael L. Bradley, ceramic artist, graphic designer and a founding board member of the North Topeka Arts District.

Washburn students were able to submit up to four pieces for the art show. A panel of judges decides which pieces will be displayed in the Mulvane Art Museum for the student exhibit. The judges choose from many different types of art pieces created from a variety of media.

There is a variety of pieces ranging from drawings and printmaking to watercolor and ceramics, textiles and sculptures, photographs, graphic designs, mixed media and paintings. On the main floor the artwork on the left side was mainly prints and photographs and on the right side was a mixture of different types of media. On the upper level, the pieces were mainly large paintings, prints and mixed media projects.

Senior art major Julie Velez explained her art project titled “Phantom,” which is a photography piece portraying a model covered in glitter that appears to look like a phantom. She explains the exhibit as a great way for students to show off their hard work.

“I’m really excited about this show because every year I feel like the work produced is some of the best to come out of the art department and it is great to see it all together,” said Velez. “You see it all being made but you don’t actually get to see the end product as often and that’s one of the most exciting things about art.”

People from all around the Washburn community joined to witness the artwork that our fellow students produced. The art exhibition was busy with people of all ages reviewing the new Mulvane exhibit. The art students were there in formal attire to converse about their pieces and the event to the attendees.

Senior art major Christian Sauarman commented on his experience with student exhibits while he has been a student. He explains that he has had several art pieces displayed in the Mulvane during his time at Washburn.

“I have been part of the show for three years now,” Sauarman said. “ This year I have two pieces–a print piece and three tapestries with prints on them as well.”

Several attendees commented on the artwork. They explained that the Mulvane Art Museum is one of their favorite places to visit because the art is good quality and created by talented students.