The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s students showcased their artwork during the opening reception and award ceremony on Friday, February 22, 2019, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

During the ceremony, more than twelve students were awarded for their artwork. The exhibition displayed various paintings, photographs, and metal artwork from the students of UWL.

Senior Bekah Kienzle submitted an oil painting that was chosen to be highlighted in the exhibition. Her painting aimed to explore the source of life and the source of beauty.

“The underlying meaning to the piece is spirituality and religion to me,” said Kienzle. “God is the underlying sweetness in my life and how he produces this beauty we see.”

The perfume represents the sweetness and the scent, while the flower is coming out of the bottle. Her focus was to leave the viewer questioning, whether the butterfly was attracted to the perfume or the flower.

In addition, Senior Chris Ganrude’s piece “Blue Whale” was chosen to be shown in the art exhibit.

“It came to me at a random moment, it is the start of a series for me,” said Ganrude. His series will revolve around endangered species and will show up in his senior project later in the year.

“I was very surprised,” said Ganrude. Both Kienzle and Ganrude were happy that their pieces were chosen to be a part of the 2019 All Student Juried Art Exhibition.

The 2019 All Student Juried Art Exhibition is located on the first floor of the Center for the Arts. The gallery will be open during regular gallery hours from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The exhibition is free and open to the public for viewing pleasure until March 14, 2019.

Update:

Congratulations to the following award winners:
Rachel Alderton – Louise Drumm Art Award
Emiko Wilks – All-Student Art Exhibition Art Award
Lulu Zuba – Carol Hutchins Winther Art Award
Emily Dillon – Ray Sherin Art Award
Carolyn Myers – Catherine Crail Art Award
Lydia Reilly –  Milton and Margaret Kosbab Art Award
Jenna Arts – James Quillin Art Award
Austin Vanburen – Richard Koehler Art Award
Andrea DeBauche – Bill Kader Art Award
Hunter Hulley – Dan and Ruth Devitt Award (painting)
Taylor Finn – Dan and Ruth Devitt Award (drawing)
Katlyn Buika – Bil Fiorini Award (metals)
Erica Ells – Ruth Ann Knapp Award (metals)
Kläre Kirchner – Betty Kendrick Art Award