The VSU Fine Arts Gallery opened its doors to the Art Faculty Exhibition on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. while the faculty jazz combo played for the guests.

The gallery displays artwork from various mediums, including illustrations, photography, oil paintings, sketches, and even sculptures. The exhibition is sponsored by Hester and Morris Orthodontics.

“[The objective is to] showcase works of art by the VSU art faculty who are all working artists,” Julie Bowland, Fine Arts Gallery Director, said.

The annual exhibition pays the contributors well.

“The money goes entirely to the artists. The gallery does not take a commission and this particular show is not a charity fundraiser,” Bowland said.

The prices for the artwork range from $100 to $1,600, with a few either not for sale, or priced on request.

The show is not just for students to observe, however. Some were given the chance to help with preparations.

“Some art students assisted with the installation of the exhibition and many will view and discuss it in classes,” Bowland said. “The gallery and this show are learning tools for students to see a wide variety of styles, media and types of art. The show is intended to inspire and educate students.”

As the Director of the Fine Arts Gallery, Bowland was given her chance to create for the show—she contributed a total of seven works.

“They were painted “en plein air” (French for “open air”) directly from the landscape in Florida,” Bowland said. “I am very energized by nature and love to be out in it painting.”

“The color is exaggerated to express emotion and the paint is a thick, vigorous impasto, again to express feeling,” Bowland said.

The faculty members are given plenty of notice to complete their work, as the date for the following year’s show is always set the previous year.

“I just hope everyone, especially students who have not been to the gallery, will come out and give us a look,” Bowland said. “I think you will be surprised and pleased with what you see.”

“We are here for the students. In the spring, we will feature the Student Competition which any student may enter, though it is competitive and not all get in,” Bowland said.

The VSU Fine Arts Gallery has a Facebook page, and students can stay up-to-date by checking out the VSU Art Department website, http://www.valdosta.edu/art/gallery or by emailing the Fine Arts Gallery Director, Julie Bowland at jabowlan@valdosta.edu.