7 UK Students Exhibit at University Open

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photo of "Self Portrait" by Madison Kelley
photo of "A Study of the Spirit" by Liz Moore
photo of "Insomnolence 1" by Andru Stone

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 23, 2017) Work by seven University of Kentucky students in the School of Arts and Visual Studies was selected to exhibit at the 2017 University Open presented by LexArts. The juried exhibition, which is free and open to the public, is on display until July 1, at Lexington’s ArtsPlace Gallery.

This year’s exhibition showcases 38 pieces of art from students at 12 public and private universities around the state including: Asbury University, Bellarmine University, Campbellsville University, Centre College, Eastern Kentucky University, Georgetown College, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, Transylvania University, UK and University of Louisville. 

The show’s focus this year explores the complexity of being raised in an era of internet, terrorism and environmental issues. Matt Collinsworth, director for the Kentucky Folk Art Center in Morehead, Kentucky, served as the guest juror for the exhibit.  

In response to the issues on the artists’ minds, Collinsworth commented, "I believe these young artists are up to the task that has been set before them to use the powerful tools of culture to lead us back into the light."

The seven UK students with art chosen for the 2017 University Open are:

  • Ashleigh Barks, an arts administration junior from Louisville, Kentucky;
  • Jenave Barrett, a digital media and design senior from Winchester, Kentucky;
  • Edward Justice, an art studio junior from Hebron, Kentucky;
  • Madison Kelley, an art history and French and Francophone studies sophomore from Lexington;
  • Liz Moore, a digital media and design senior from Lexington;
  • Elliot Schiff, a digital media and design senior from Paducah, Kentucky; and
  • Andru Stone, a digital media and design senior from Lexington.

Moore, who had two pieces chosen to be in the exhibit, also has work featured on University Open postcards and posters.

LexArts promotes high quality arts experiences for the benefit of all the people of Central Kentucky through funding, advocacy, technical assistance, communication and programming initiatives.

The public can view the UK students' artwork and the art from other schools in the University Open through July 1, at ArtsPlace located at 161 North Mill St. Gallery hours for viewing are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and noon-5 p.m. Saturday. 

The UK School of Art and Visual Studies, at the UK College of Fine Arts, is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of art studio, art history and visual studies, art education, and digital media and design.