Visual Arts
The Visual Arts exhibition is open to all Master of Fine Arts students for whom a studio component is a part of their required research.
The purpose of the Visual Arts exhibition is to convey to a wide audience the range and significance of creative research produced in the field of visual arts and its significance to the general public. Share your research, scholarship, or creative activity — and refine your research communication skills — while competing for cash prizes.
Registration is now open!
Register today! Exhibitions for the Visual Arts option must be submitted by Friday, March 6.
Category Prizes:
- First place: $1,000
- Second place: $500
- Third place: $250
Tips on creating your Visual Arts Presentation
- During the Exhibition, you will be able to present your artwork to judges, as well as the public. Your presentation should cover the key areas from the judging criteria. Make sure to address the objective, significance, and relevance of your artwork to contemporary art and visual culture.
- Your artwork will also be evaluated based on craftspersonship and creativity. You can comment on these aspects of your artwork and artistic process in your presentation, as well, if you’d like.
- Plan for your presentation for judges to be about five minutes or less.
- You will be presenting your work to a general audience, and the judges will likely not be experts in the visual arts. Therefore, you should make sure that your presentation is interesting and understandable to someone not in your field. Think of it as creating a story about your artwork and artistic process for NPR or for a group of Penn State J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School alumni from across the University.
Rubric
| Category | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Communication of Objective and Significance | The student clearly and concisely conveys the purpose of their work and its significance in a way that is understandable to an educated non-expert. |
| Explanation of Relevance to Contemporary Art and Visual Culture | Connections to contemporary artistic practice and cultural context are well-articulated and understandable to an educated non-expert. |
| Technical Execution | Technical skill and craftsmanship support the work’s intended effect; installation/presentation enhances rather than distracts the viewer’s experience. |
| Creativity | The work demonstrates originality and innovation; form, subject matter, and content reinforce one another effectively. |
| Overall Presentation | The student communicates clearly and professionally and responds to questions effectively; artistic concepts are coherent and well articulated. |