The reception will be held in the Allcott Gallery in Hanes Art Center, where the exhibit is located. Featured in the gallery is the work of undergraduate artists who have received one or more of five possible prizes from the Department of Art.
The reception will begin at 6 p.m. and will give student artists an opportunity to connect with community members and showcase their works.
"This exhibition is a chance for (the students) to start functioning in a professional way," said Bess Grabowski, a former studio chairwoman.
Since 1970, UNC's art department has annually awarded various scholarships and prizes to standouts among undergraduate studio art majors. The awards include the Jonathan B. Sharpe Scholarships for students with financial need and the Alexander Julian Prize for works by an outstanding studio art major.
"These awards encourage undergraduates to finish their work to an exhibition level," said art Professor Elin O'Hara Slavick. "They encourage and develop the students' ability to create art."
The Jonathan B. Sharpe Scholarships were given to 12 students to alleviate their financial need and to facilitate their major artistic efforts.
The Penland School of Crafts Scholarship was awarded to senior Jonathan Baxter to fund his attendance at a two-week summer workshop in Penland. A student-designed panel, which included UNC studio art graduates, selected five students to receive the George Kachergis Memorial Scholarships.
Finally, the Alexander Julian Prize was given to senior Taylor Dansby in recognition of his status as one of the best students in the program.
"The awards are one more of those good-housekeeping stamps of approval," Grabowski said.
