Visual & Performing Arts

For 65 years, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has provided students with an invaluable platform to showcase their artistic talents through the annual All-Student Juried Art Exhibition (ASJAE). This year’s event, held at the UWL Art Gallery in the Lowe Center for the Arts, continues the tradition of celebrating student creativity, originality, and artistic vision across a variety of mediums. 

 A Steppingstone for Emerging Artists 

The exhibition is open to all UWL students, regardless of major, making it a diverse and exciting showcase of creative expression. Art Department Chair Kate Hawkes Boulay emphasizes the significance of this opportunity, noting that for many students, this marks their first experience submitting work to a juried show. 

 “This exhibition is such a great opportunity for students to share their work publicly, often for the first time,” says Hawkes Boulay. “It gives them real experience with the process of submitting to a juried show, which is a big step in any artist’s journey. It also helps build confidence—putting your work out there can be intimidating. Plus, it’s just exciting to see the range of ideas and creativity happening across campus.” 

 With participation open to all students, the exhibition fosters a dynamic mix of creative voices, reinforcing the idea that art transcends academic disciplines. Students submit digital images of their work, which are reviewed through a blind selection process. Last year, 148 entries were submitted, with 60 ultimately making it into the exhibition. The chosen works are then professionally installed, ensuring they are presented in the best possible form. 

 A Juror with a Vision 

This year’s professional juror is Gina Hunt, an accomplished artist and faculty member at Loyola University Chicago’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts. Hunt’s expertise in color, light, and spatial perception will shape the final exhibition, ensuring a compelling range of artistic approaches. She will provide feedback through a written juror’s statement and video commentary. 

 The Challenges and Rewards of Curation 

“In 2025, our campus celebrates students making art for the 65th year, and I see that continuing into the future,” says UWL Art Gallery Director Deborah-Eve Lombard, who oversees the exhibition’s installation. The installation, which takes place in a window of a few days, requires careful consideration of layout, lighting, and spacing. Student gallery assistants play a vital role in preparing pedestals, framing artwork, and ensuring accessibility within the space. Lombard highlights the lasting impact of the experience: "When students see their art installed in the Gallery and the ASJAE is a reality, many students say they feel proud and accomplished. Seeing people turn out to celebrate their art is encouraging to any artist, and some students are excited to add this exhibition to their resumes. Over the years, I have met many UWL alums who return to campus and visit the Gallery. They often share stories of how their art was part of a previous exhibition and is still a highlight from their time on campus." 

 The Power of Art in Community 

Beyond providing students with a platform, the exhibition fosters a sense of artistic community on campus and beyond. Hawkes Boulay underscores its broader significance: “Because it’s open to all students, not just art majors, this show creates a really interesting mix of perspectives. It’s a way for people across campus to connect through art, and it helps build a sense of creative community. It also gives students a chance to be part of the larger regional art scene—faculty, staff, and people from the local community come to see the exhibition, which helps students start thinking about their work in a broader context.” 

 Visitors can expect to see a wide array of media, from painting and drawing to sculpture, digital art, and mixed media installations. The variety of works ensures something for everyone, making the exhibition an enriching experience for all attendees. 

 What to Expect as a Visitor 

The 65th Annual All-Student Juried Art Exhibition promises to be a must-see event for anyone interested in contemporary student art and the evolving creative landscape at UWL. Each year, the exhibition surprises and inspires, with students exploring contemporary themes and pushing the boundaries of traditional media. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or community art enthusiast, this exhibition offers a chance to experience the vibrant and innovative work of emerging artists. 

 For more details on the exhibition, including dates and location, visit the event page.