Artfully Chosen
Record Submissions and Standout Talent at UAF’s Spring 2025 Juried Student Art Show
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Art is celebrating a milestone year with its Spring 2025 Juried Student Art Show. This semester saw an unprecedented 176 submissions — the highest number of entries to the juried show over the last four years. Juror Lindsay Saunders, a Fairbanks-born artist, educator, and photographer, selected more than 90 pieces to display in a vibrant and inspiring exhibition.
The opening night reception was a major success, drawing a packed and enthusiastic crowd to the UAF Art Gallery. Students, faculty, and community members gathered to admire the incredible range of mediums, styles, and perspectives represented.
Awards were presented to recognize exceptional artistry and craftsmanship:
The opening reception for the spring 2025 juried student art exhibition featured 90+ works of art juried by artist Lindsay Saunders.
UAF Department of Art faculty with juror Lindsay Saunders
In her juror statement, Saunders praised the strength and authenticity of the student work, sharing, "I was truly moved by the spectrum of talent and the strength of individual voices present in so many of the pieces. I left the gallery feeling deeply inspired—not only as a teacher but as an artist." She acknowledged the vulnerability inherent in sharing creative work, noting, "Art is subjective, which is why I approached this experience with an open heart and open eyes, guided by the elements of art to help guide my decisions."
Saunders elaborated on the selection process, highlighting what made the top pieces stand out: "The two awarded sculptures used negative and implied space in ways that were powerful and evocative; I found myself drawn in, lingering. The two awarded drawings told thoughtful, clever stories through their use of color, line, and light." She concluded her message with encouragement for all participants: "The world needs more art, always. To every artist that took that step and submitted artwork, well done, bravo, and thank you!"
At UAF, these exhibitions serve a larger purpose beyond recognition — they are essential experiential learning opportunities for art students. Preparing for and participating in exhibitions is a standard practice for many professional artists. In support of this, the Department of Art regularly offers workshops and demonstrations on matting, framing, and exhibition preparation to teach students how to present their work to industry standards.
Each semester offers different exhibition experiences for students. In the fall, UAF hosts a group show where all art students, or those enrolled in an art class, may submit work for exhibition. The spring, however, is reserved for the juried student show — a professional-level experience where a guest juror curates the exhibition anonymously, building a strong, cohesive show based on emerging themes and artistic merit.
Grand Champion Kevin Carroll receives his award certificate
Kainoa Ake received her first place award certificate
Second place award winner Keely Vatcher poses with her bronze casting, Caught in the Current
Award winners Kainoa Ake, Keely Vatcher, Kevin Carroll and Fin Ludwig pose with their certificates
The 2025 Juried Student Exhibition drew a full house, with large crowds gathering to celebrate student artistry and honor award-winning works
An enthusiastic crowd filled the UAF Art Gallery for the opening of the 2025 Juried Student Exhibition and an exciting awards ceremony
Walls lined with bold visions and fresh perspectives drew an excited crowd for the 2025 Juried Student Exhibition at UAF
About the UAF Department of Art
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Art provides students with opportunities to engage deeply with both traditional and contemporary practices across a variety of mediums. The department fosters technical excellence, conceptual growth, and critical engagement, encouraging students to develop their unique voices as artists and scholars. Through exhibitions, community collaborations, and visiting artist programs, UAF Art students contribute meaningfully to the cultural life of the university and beyond.