By Caitlin Hofen, Feature Editor
This year marks the 20th annual Northwestern Art Society Art Show in the J.W. Martin Library. The show will run from March 5 to 31, and students, employees, retired employees and alumni are encouraged to enter artwork.
Angelia Case, the art society sponsor, has been involved in planning the show since it began.
“I got involved with this group 20 years ago when Christa Evans Rogers and Helena Plett McLaurine wanted to begin an art club on campus,” Case said. “Christa asked me to be the sponsor, and I said ‘yes.’ Later that same year, we had our first show in the library.”
There are 30 categories available to enter. Each participant can enter two pieces per category. The categories include artisan crafts, digital art, painting, photography and more. There are nine subcategories of photography.
“I hope to see even more incredibly beautiful quilts this year,” Case said. “There may even be a few surprises since we opened a ‘miscellaneous’ category. This is for things that just don’t fit any other place.”
With it being the 20th year of the art show, art society members have put in countless hours of work to plan the event.
“There really is so much planning that’s never seen that goes into any show – ours is no exception,” Case said. “Right now, I have a spreadsheet on my desk with more than 40 things ‘to do.’ During February, it all becomes all too real. Deadlines start creeping closer, and there’s always the fear that no one will enter. But they always do in the end and produce amazing work.”
Not only are ribbons awarded for first through third places, but there is also a Best of Show for students and People’s Choice Award. A $50 cash prize will be awarded to the student winning Best of Show, and the students placing first in a category will earn $10. Everyone entered in the show is eligible to receive the People’s Choice cash prize of $25.
The category of coloring will pit non-students against students for a prize ribbon. Pieces may use pre-made coloring pages or original coloring pages.
Art Society President Allison Huffmaster said she encourages students to put themselves out there and try their hand at entering the art show.
“Everyone has some kind of talent, and you never know what it is until you keep trying,” Huffmaster said. “Whether it’s photography, crochet, painting, felt making or anything creative, there is something out there for you.”
Entry forms, category descriptions and rules are available online at www.nwosu.edu/art/nas-art-show. Entry forms are due by Feb. 22.
A Winner’s Show is scheduled for April 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Runnymede in downtown Alva during the regular First Friday Artwalk events.
“NAS works so hard to put this on for our campus community and the Alva community,” Case said. “It takes many hours of prep work along with the setup and takedown of the actual show. I really hope that everyone can come check out the work that will be displayed and take real time to look at the pieces and enjoy them. Do tell people how much you enjoy their work. You’ll definitely bring big smiles to their faces.”