It’s our 50th year of hosting a student exhibition, and there is a lot to celebrate! Because a lot of students are learning remotely this year, we don’t have physical works to showcase. We are adapting and hosting a virtual exhibition through Art Spaces that will allow you to move around a virtual gallery setting to experience the works. We will also host a digital, flippable catalog that will feature works by the students and highlight award winners. 

This year, 52 Drake students submitted 150 works. Our juror, Nikki Renee Anderson, selected 67 works by 35 Drake students to be included in the exhibition. Nikki Renee Anderson, a Drake Alum and Chicago-based artist and educator, had a tough job and seriously considered all the entries. She said, “The work in this show represents a collection of ideas that have impact and resonance within the context of Drake and the larger society.” We can’t wait for you to see it!

At 2pm on Sunday, March 7, 2021, we live-streamed the virtual opening. President Martin provided some opening remarks. We will also had the opportunity to hear from our juror, Nikki, and Provost Mattison and Dean Gerhard presented over $1500 in awards generously donated by family and friends of Thad Archie. Click on the button below to watch as we unveiled our virtual exhibition and announced student award winners.

Click the buttons below to view the virtual exhibition and flip through the digital catalog. These amazing resources are up through the end of April 2021. Participate as many times as you like! Thanks for joining us and helping us celebrate Drake’s long tradition of showcasing student works!

AWARDS:

Juror Nikki Renee Anderson selected these works for special recognition:

  • Honorable Mention in Drawing = Alanna Wuensch for “Breaking Through”
  • Honorable Mention in Sculpture = Chloe Laizure for “Lump Hollow”
  • Honorable Mention in Printmaking = Katie Segler for “Untitled”
  • Honorable Mention in Painting = Hannah Cohen for “Melting Pot”
  • Honorable Mention in Graphic Design = Amelia Sims for “Cooper Hewitt Postcards”
  • Honorable Mention in Interactive Media = Alison Kuttler
  • Second Prize = Hedera Belmond for “History of Shapes”
  • First Prize/Best in Show = Lasha Stewart for “Black Out Portrait 2”

The Department of Art + Design selected Kaili Miller’s “Three Piece Letter Press Series” for the prestigious Provost Purchase Award! Congratulations to all the award winners and to those who had the courage to submit and share their works!

And don’t forget to follow us on social media where we will be sharing the works of each of the 35 participating students from March 8 – April 16, 2021. Learn more about these talented Drake students and see details of their works.