For display only

Art is defined as the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions and intellect. But, the artists involved in the UW-La Crosse Student Juried Art Exhibition define art as a form of expression and something that can't be defined. To them the world of sculptures, paintings, drawings, and photographs serves as an oasis, and something that can only be defined by the artists themselves.

When emotions run high and the challenges of school set in, these students turn to their own form of therapy.  "Art is definitely a stress reliever," freshman artist Angelo Gentile said. "I find that when I get caught up in my creations, all time stops."

Art major, Seth Forecki feels similarly about what he draws inspiration from. "It's an essential part of our lives, it's a way to say something that can't be said and let us to express personal ideals and thoughts inside us," Forecki said.  For these artists, it's all about breaking boundaries and crossing bridges in order to find a moment of solitude and understanding. Artists of all experience levels use art as their escape and serve as a savior.

Each artist has different life experiences and inspirations that help them develop their work. While artist Kyle Dill draws his ideas from architecture, Erin Fraundorf takes an interest in the aesthetics of nature and science and applies it to her work. Different approaches result in different artistic lenses. Not one piece is the same, and there is a different story of motivation behind each and every one.

UW-L students and La Crosse citizens have been chosen to showcase their talents in the annual juried exhibition which is free to the public and on display in the Center for the Arts.  The exhibition is currently taking place and will run until Mar. 10. During this time, everyone is invited to walk through the gallery and see the featured art work during regular hours.

A reception was held Feb. 18 to honor all of the hard work participants put forth in creating their submitted pieces.  Numerous awards were given to the artists whose work stood out to the esteemed judging cast.  

Artists want the viewers to appreciate their work but recognize that not everyone sees art the same way. But there was an overall hopeful consensus among the artists that viewers would find some connections and be moved by the works in some way.

 "I hope that viewers formulate their own opinions, thoughts and hypotheses about my work of art. The experience is what truly matters," Fraundorf said.  

Dill, who was grateful to be selected for the exhibition believes that the whole point of art is to solicit an emotional, sensual response. "When someone approaches my work I want them to walk away with some sort of experience," Dill said. "Whether it is joy, sadness, thought or any other type of feeling from the emotional spectrum, I want it to have some lasting impact on them."

This exhibition is a time to experience life and the lives of these artists in a way that will evoke all of your senses. Sporting work from over 15 different artists your time will not be wasted.  Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.  It is always free and open to the public so come down and support your peers.