UK Student Artists Take Honors at University Open
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 15, 2018) — Two University of Kentucky students, Ali Deane and Megan Douthitt, in the School of Arts and Visual Studies took honors at the 2018 University Open presented by LexArts. The juried exhibition, which features the best work from students in Kentucky’s collegiate visual art programs, is on display through June 23, at ArtsPlace Gallery in downtown Lexington.
This year’s exhibition showcases 28 pieces of art from students at eight public and private universities around the state including: Asbury University, Campbellsville University, Centre College, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, UK and University of Louisville.
Juror and Lexington artist Bob Morgan was impressed with the group of up-and-coming artists featured in the show. “Their work reaches out to deliver an important message. I was very pleased to see ideas snatched from today’s headlines. Now it is our job to celebrate their work and encourage them along the path of pursuing their dreams.”
UK 2018 art studio graduate, Alexis “Ali” Deane, from Brevard, North Carolina, took second place at University Open with her cyanotype piece on fabric titled “Womb Study.” Digital media and design junior Megan Douthitt, from Lexington, took third place with her digital photograph “Uma.” Both Deane and Douthitt had two pieces selected for the exhibition. In addition, a piece by art studio sophomore Ember Canada-Kawarada was also selected for the show.
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 art from other schools in the University Open through June 23, at ArtsPlace, located at 161 North Mill St. The exhibition will also be part of Lexington’s next Gallery Hop from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 18. Regular 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.