Modern-day Picassos, da Vincis and van Goghs from the School of Media, Art & Design (MAD) are showcasing a unique assortment of artwork at the Oshawa campus from April 17 to Friday, April 27 during Durham College’s 10th annual Juried Art Show.

Taking place inside the main entrance of the Gordon Willey building the show features work by almost 60 Foundations in Art and Design (FAD) and Fine Arts – Advanced students.

Each submitted up to four pieces of work with the majority coming from in-class assignments along with the creation of a few additional pieces.

Gary Greenwood, artist and curator, and Ruth Rodgers, a Durham College teaching and learning specialist, are acting as the jurors for the show, responsible for choosing artwork that will be displayed at the Whitby Station Gallery (Station Gallery) for the month of May.

Students were recognized with several awards during the event’s Opening Reception and Awards, which took place on April 17, including Best in Show, which was won by Veronica Brzoska, a FAD student. MAD then purchased the winning piece of artwork to be displayed in its administration office following the show in Whitby.  

Kayla Mercer, a FAD student and creator of the show’s advertising poster, is thankful for the opportunity to showcase her artwork, potentially sell some of her pieces and network.

Mercer plans to continue her education at the college by pursuing the Graphic Design program, a path common to the FAD program. Some students choose to further their artistic involvement through the college’s Fine Arts program, which shares a common first year with FAD, and others, like Mercer, choose to purse complimentary career paths.

“By combining the first year of the FAD and Fine Arts – Advanced programs we give students an opportunity to explore and experiment in the visual arts with the purpose of either pursuing more advanced visual/fine art education or moving into fields that are more commercial in nature, like graphic design, animation, games, illustration, etc.,” said Herb Klassen, professor and program co-ordinator of the FAD program.

The juror selections can be viewed at the Station Gallery from Sunday, April 29 to Friday, May 25, with the official opening of the Durham College art exhibition taking place on Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m.

“For the fifth consecutive year Station Gallery has hosted the creative output of Durham College’s arts programs,” said Judy Mead, director of Development and Communications, Station Gallery. “This amazing program continues to grow along with its partnership with the Station Gallery. For the majority of students, this is the first formal exhibition opportunity. We’re proud to celebrate new beginnings with this year-end student show.”