The WVU School of Art and Design’s annual Juried Student Exhibition is underway, with student artwork on display at the Canady Creative Arts Center (CCAC).
The exhibition is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their art and possibly win a cash prize. Students submitted up to two pieces of 2-D, 3-D or video art for an initial review from outside jurors and School of Art and Design faculty members. Thirty pieces were selected for the final exhibition – the school’s most diverse selection, thanks to the addition of Design Studies, Fashion Design and Merchandising and Interior Architecture students.
The exhibition is on display in the Laura Mesaros Gallery.
More than $5,000 will be awarded to participating students, with a Best in Show award of $700. Students will receive feedback on their pieces from juror Liz Pavlovic, a School of Art and Design alumna. Pavlovic is an accomplished freelance designer and illustrator who creates art for businesses, books and board games. She is currently working on a graphic novel about the West Virginia cryptid Mothman, which Kentucky Press will publish in 2026.
“The committee is excited to have Liz as this year's juror,” said Joseph Galbreath, an associate professor of graphic design. “Liz has channeled her creativity and built her career in a way that resonates with our students. Alumni success is important to us, so we are glad she came back to celebrate the fantastic work of our students.”
Pavlovic graduated with a BFA in graphic design in 2010 and participated in the exhibition as a student.
“It's a bit surreal to be on the juror side of the exhibit, but in the best way,” she said. “I'm really honored to have the experience. I hope the students feel proud of the work they created and are inspired to do more.”
As a juror, Pavlovic was part of the committee who reviewed the initial student artwork submissions, and she recently visited the exhibition to evaluate the 30 pieces on display. Her feedback will help determine which students receive monetary awards.
“I genuinely enjoyed every piece and the opportunity to see everyone's work,” she said. “It's full of really impressive work that folks should take the chance to appreciate. It’s a perfect window into what the current design students are up to!”
The Juried Student Exhibition will be on display through February 28, 2025, in the Laura Mesaros Gallery, located just inside the CCAC main entrance. A reception will be held on January 23 at 5 p.m. in the CCAC lobby. For more information, visit artanddesign.wvu.edu.