Students not so artful: CUAB and student artists should do a better job to ensure that gallery exhibit doesn’t leave wall bare again

Citing complaints from student artists about a lack of space to show their work on campus, the Carolina Union Activities Board’s art gallery committee decided to showcase student artwork in the Union gallery this semester.

But when the time actually came for students to submit pieces for the gallery, only 10 sent anything in to be displayed.

The lack of participation from student artists is disappointing.

The Union gallery often displays professional work or themed exhibits, and CUAB’s idea to plan an exhibit exclusively showing work produced by students was thoughtful.

Unfortunately, it was CUAB that had to take a hit in the form of an incomplete exhibit because so few people submitted pieces.

Committee chairwoman Shivani Chudasama advertised the gallery exhibit over multiple listservs and throughout the art department and even extended the deadline for artwork submissions in the hope that more students would participate.

Of the few students who expressed interest, many did not have immediate access to their pieces, and others had concerns about their work being damaged while on display.

Because of this, the student exhibit, which was installed in mid-October, only includes 12 pieces — not nearly enough to cover the walls of the Union gallery.

If CUAB wants to attract student art, it should work to allay student concerns.

Later this month, the student work will be taken down and replaced with the gallery’s next exhibit, which will feature a local artist.

A gallery exhibit without gaps on the walls will be a welcome change from its current state, but it’s unfortunate that students did not utilize their chance to put their own art on display.

It is hoped that CUAB will decide to show student artwork again in the future, and the request will be met by actual submissions.