By ANDREW A. LAMBERT
With a diverse array of media and styles, the annual Society of Illustrators’ traveling show is on display at the George H. Brimhall Gallery until Feb. 10.
The exhibit features illustrations by professionals from all over the United States. The Society of Illustrators, founded in 1901, sponsors a national competition annually. Last year more than 6,000 works were submitted and only 350 were chosen.
The Brimhall Gallery exhibit showcases a traveling version of the show, with about 30 pieces, said Robert T. Barrett, visual arts professor.
Barrett said the exhibit is a great opportunity to see original art, helping people gain an appreciation for the level of craftsmanship displayed. Viewing original artwork also helps people to understand the artistic process, Barrett said.
The show is one of the highlights of the year because of the polished professional artists, new art techniques and fresh ideas, said Todd Frye, gallery director.
“It’s there to enrich student’s lives, broaden their horizons and challenge their thought processes,” Frye said.
Cliff Nielson, an artist from California, addressed visual arts students Wednesday night. One of Nielson’s pieces, created by innovative computer techniques, is on display at the exhibit. The piece was commissioned by Chris Carter for the television series “The X-Files.”
Talya Blomquist, a senior from Fairbanks, Alaska, majoring in humanities, said she enjoyed the exhibit. “I’ve never seen commissioned work like that before,” she said.
Blomquist said it was interesting to see the different art styles, including oil, watercolor, collages and even computer-generated graphics.
Before visiting the exhibit, Blomquist did not know the gallery even existed. The Brimhall building was just a place to study before going over to the testing center, Blomquist said.
Though not as convenient as the B.F. Larsen Gallery in the Harris Fine Arts Center, the Brimhall Gallery exhibit is well worth the trip, Barrett said.
The exhibit, sponsored by the Visual Arts Department, is free. The Brimhall Gallery is open weekdays from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.
