Every year, the UW-Whitewater art department chooses an artist to be the professional juror at Crossman Gallery’s annual juried student art exhibit.
This year Kristen Ferrell, a professional painter, illustrator and fashion designer, was picked to judge the students’ artwork.

This year’s exhibition, a tradition on campus, will take place April 4 – 9 during regular gallery hours.

“The exhibit has been put on every year for at least 20 years.” Crossman Gallery Director Michael Flanagan said.
Ferrell’s name was first introduced to associate professor Greg Porcaro when one of his advanced painting students, Sara Hoag, suggested Ferrell make a guest appearance on campus.

“I thought with Kristen’s art background [and] education and the successes of her artwork and clothing line, she would make a great juror,” Porcaro said.

Porcaro then collaborated the idea with Flanagan, and made Ferrell’s visit to Whitewater a reality.

“Ferrell, being a very successful artist, with solely an undergraduate degree, helps students realize they can also be successful in the art field,” Flanagan said.

Aside from judging the students’ work, Ferrell will talk and participate in a workshop.

The show is open to all students on campus.

Any medium  can be used such as, paintings, drawings, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, metals, books, graphic design, electronic imagery and photography.

“Selected students can win a whole range of prizes,” Flanagan said.

Flanagan added, winners will have their work displayed in the Best of the Best show in the Fiskum Gallery and one student will have their work purchased by Chancellor Richard Telfer that will be hung in Hyer Hall.

Artists will be notified today if their work has been chosen for an award.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place, along with honorable mentions. There will also be prizes awarded within specific categories.