The Terriers will host their annual student art exhibition, “Hot Now,” in the Richardson Family Art Gallery from March 13 to April 10.
It is the largest student exhibition of the year and displays the broad and creative talents of Wofford’s dedicated students.
Wofford Studio Arts Manager Oscar Soto is the lead organizer for the exhibition.
Though this is only his second year in the art department, he is excited to see what this year’s participants will bring.
“Our primary focus is to showcase the creative achievements of Wofford students enrolled in studio arts courses during the previous two semesters,” Soto said. “As such, many of the submissions are made by the studio course instructors themselves with the students’ permission. We also have an online submission process open to all Wofford students to submit work on their own.”
Because this exhibition comprises full-time students, the submission timeline is longer and accommodates the students’ busy schedules. This lengthier timeframe encourages students to submit their art beyond just classroom assignments and projects.
“Last year, we had over 60 artworks included in the exhibition, including a small number of collaborative projects that involved dozens of students,” Soto stated.
“That is a lot of work to fit into one exhibition, but as Hot Now’s lead organizer, I love the challenge of keeping the show as inclusive and celebratory as possible, while also making sure it serves as a strong cross sample of the wide range of materials, concepts and approaches to artmaking taught within our department.”
Soto concluded that deciding where and how to display the pieces is a complex process, especially when considering spacing.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Studio Art Ambrin Ling is passionate about this presentation.
Her advocacy for student creativity is evident in her lectures, especially as her students’ work will be featured in this year’s display.
Both Ling and Soto particularly look forward to the work from Wofford’s new and visiting faculty’s students.
“I expect there to be a strong digital presence thanks to the addition of (the) new Media Professor Rebecca Forstater to our studio faculty,” Soto said, “and I know Ambrin Ling has gotten some really strong work from her students from both traditional studio courses such as figure drawing and some more unique courses she’s been able to teach during her time here.
“I’m also excited about submissions we are getting from outside the department.”
According to Soto, this year’s showcase is expected to be “a strong reflection of Wofford’s growing creative culture.”
Because this year’s exhibition pushes beyond the boundaries of art majors, it will be especially unique.
“Hot Now” will be inclusive, diverse and a more broad representation of the student body.
The artists are delighted to share their creations with their peers, and both faculty and students are excited to witness the enchanting outcome of their talent, dedication and hard work.
All are invited to attend the reception March 16 at 5:30 p.m. The art department also encourages all Terriers to show up from March 13 to April 10 and experience the creativity within the Wofford community.
For inquiries, please contact Robin Reif, the arts center manager.
