USD Hosts 31st Annual Stilwell Exhibition Jan 26 Feb 23
“Our students take the Stilwell Exhibition very seriously and most will enter the competition which usually means approximately 200 entries,” said Cory Knedler, chair of USD’s Department of Art.
Those that enter have the chance to win prizes up to $500 for Best in Show, but Knedler said the real motivation is the chance to exhibit their work through a professionally juried show.
“The cash awards are an attraction, but the art students are really anxious to test their work in a juried show and learn from the lesson,” said Knedler.
This year’s Stilwell Juror, Bryan Holland, an acclaimed multimedia artist from Minnesota, graduated from USD in 1997 with a master’s degree in painting. In addition to judging the exhibition, Holland presented a guest lecture earlier in the week. His advice to new artists is to keep moving forward.
“Try to do something art related every single day,” said Holland. “Don’t worry about making mistakes. Don’t second guess yourself.”
Holland has worked professionally as an artist, graphic artist, and college professor. His work has been in numerous exhibitions, from solo to regional and national juried and invitational exhibitions. Holland’s most recent work is a mix of painting, collage, found art, image transfer techniques, and a variety of other experimentation. He is influenced by graphic design, vintage art, painting, photography, mythology, science and philosophy.
The Stilwell celebrates and recognizes the diversity and quality of art created by USD students in the previous year through a peer-juried exhibition. Student work includes graphic design, photography, ceramics, sculpture, painting, printmaking and more. The exhibition will close Feb. 23.
