VALDOSTA —
Works from across the nation have been gathered in Valdosta State University Fine Arts Gallery for the 2012 Valdosta National exhibition.
Opening this week, the show features 41 works representing artists from several states, says Julie Bowland, VSU gallery curator.
At 217 works from 19 states submitted, VSU received more than twice last year’s entries.
There is never a theme to the exhibit, but often a random theme develops once the work arrives. Two years ago, a number of entries touched upon darkness and death. Last year, several entries took their artistic roots from nature. This year, Bowland says the exhibit seems more conceptual. “The work is very diverse, with a lot of skill and craftsmanship to balance the conceptual nature of much of the work,” Bowland says.
Charles “Chazz” Williams, an Albany State University associate art professor, served as this year’s judge. He whittled down the 217 entries to the 41 exhibited in the show opening this week. Williams has taught painting and drawing for six years at Albany State. He studied art and literature at Florida State University.
Valdosta State has asked for national art submissions for this annual juried exhibit for 24 years. Originally, the show requested paper works only from artists across the U.S. Valdosta National widened its acceptance to all art forms about a decade ago.
Though it is a national show, it still attracts area artists. Local artists submitting works this year included Walter Hobbs, Annette Crosby, Colleen Harris, and former VSU Art student Maggie Ellis.
Valdosta National is always a fascinating show. It brings the nation’s art to Valdosta.
Valdosta State University Art hosts Valdosta National 2012.
When: Show opens with a free, public reception, 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17. Show runs through Feb. 3.
Where: VSU Fine Art Gallery, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood.
Admission: Free.
Gallery hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays.
Sponsor: Citizens Community Bank sponsors this exhibit.
More information: Contact Julie Bowland, gallery director, (229) 333-5835.
