Show displays student art

University Art Museum opens show of student art work

California State University Long Beach's art students were honored Saturday night at the opening of the student art exhibition.

For more that 20 years, CSULB has been hosting an annual student exhibition for those works of superior quality.

"Every year is completely different because it is student run," said Patricia Clark, art department chairwoman.

This year's show, "Insight '95", displays more than 70 works ranging from oil paintings and etchings, to ceramics.

"I'm always excited to have the student exhibit each year," said Kirsten Schmidt, public relations coordinator for the University Art Museum. "You get an idea of what is new in the art world and the kind of talent we have on campus."

The displayed works were selected by jurors of CSULB's art department and the Los Angeles based ACME Gallery.

Out of the jurors selections, five works won artists awards. Each award included an acknowledgment from CSULB's art department and $50.

First semester art major, Patricia Doody, won an artists award for a painting of her sons, titled "Dylan and Dallas."

"I spend a lot of time studying and painting and it's a sacrifice for my boys, so I'm glad I brought them so they could see why I do it," Doody said.

Graduating senior, Hamo Bahnam, has three etchings on display. All won artists awards.

"I got some money and I'm on my way to a record shop, and I'm spending it all there," Bahnam said.

The exhibit includes such a variety of exceptional works that visitors should not be disappointed.

"It's exciting, [there is] some good stuff in here," said Matthew Espinoza, visitor to the exhibit. It's interesting to see what's popular. This exhibit shows what has the potential to be the new trends."

The exhibit will be open through June 2. The University Art Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.