USD Art Galleries Announces 39th Annual Stilwell Student Awards Exhibition
The University of South Dakota Art Galleries announces its 39th annual Stilwell Student Awards Exhibition.
The free awards ceremony and reception will be on January 24, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., with the public welcome. Refreshments will be available and the awards will be announced at 6 p.m.
Exhibition dates are set to follow, from January 27 to February 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
About the Stilwell Student Awards Exhibition
The Annual Stilwell Student Awards Exhibition is an annual exhibit in the John A. Day Gallery, Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts, that recognizes the talent and creative work of the USD Department of Art students. The exhibit was established in 1989 and is named after the former chair and professor of Art, Wilber Stilwell, his wife Gladys, and the Stilwell family, who continue to provide support for this exhibition.
Cory Knedler, chair of the USD Art Department says the competition, “gives students an opportunity to have their works seen by a professional artist or scholar," in addition to receiving critical feedback, prize money and awards.
The Art Department faculty encourages students to enter the competition to gain professional experience as well as to represent their studio areas.
“The Stilwell is an exciting and fun opportunity we have to showcase our work,” said Oliver Kalan, a graduate student earning a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture.
USD painting alumna, Klaire Lockheart will adjudicate the exhibition this year. Lockheart is a recent recipient of the Pollock-Kranser Foundation Grant, the creator and host of, “Femininity in the Post-Apocalypse,” podcast and exhibits extensively across the country.
Each of the department’s specializations are represented in the event, with works including paintings, sculptures, photography, printmaking, graphic design, drawing and installation.
“This is one of the favorite exhibitions of the year. It is a wonderful opportunity for the students and the community to celebrate the incredible creative artworks produced by our hardworking Undergraduate and Graduate students,” said Amy Fill, university art galleries director. "We encourage our community to visit the Stilwell Exhibition and consider purchasing a work of art for their home or office."
