November 30, 2004

The University of Houston’s Blaffer Gallery prides itself on discovering cutting edge artists. For the exhibit beginning Friday, the gallery found a bevy of talent right next door at UH’s School of Art.

The 2004 School of Art Annual Exhibition opens with a reception at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3 at the gallery and will offer patrons a diverse selection of works.

“The material is incredibly strong,” said Terrie Sultan, director of the Blaffer. “The exhibition will contain various media including painting, drawings, sculpture, interior design, jewelry and both abstract and representational works.”

Pieces appearing in this exhibition were selected by faculty members in the School of Art and installed by the Blaffer staff. The challenge in arranging such varied pieces of art was coordinating the material so that it flows as an exhibition.

“This isn’t just a bunch of stuff,” Sultan said. “We organized these works so that they will come together as a real show and give people an idea of what art students are doing.”

This is the third time the gallery has hosted the student exhibition in December. Previously, the exhibition was scheduled during spring. It was rescheduled so that art aficionados could purchase the exhibited pieces as holiday presents.

Aside from the exhibition’s opening on Friday, an open house will be held in the School of Art’s studios directly across from the gallery.

While the exhibition will introduce homegrown artists to the community, it also allows art students to see their work in the context of an actual show. Sultan said that once artists see their work in a gallery, it allows them to realize the full potential of their efforts.

“This exhibition shows the students what their work would look like in a professional atmosphere,” Sultan said. “Many of these young artists only see their work within their studios. Placing these pieces in an art museum really changes the way they feel about their art and how they communicate their ideas.”

Mike Emery
Memery@central.uh.edu