Welcome to the 2021 Juried Student Exhibition
Dear Friends of the Northcutt Steele Gallery and MSUB Department of Art,
As we near the end of spring semester 2021, I am delighted to celebrate the artistic accomplishments of the students of MSUB. The works selected by our juror for inclusion in this year’s exhibition testify to the resilience, perseverance, and commitment of our students. Gathered together these diverse works across a range of media affirm the power of art to heal, mend, prompt, educate, seek, question, and transform in these challenging times.
I offer special thanks to Student Gallery Director, Morgan Syring, Gallery Intern Heather Oltrogge, Administrative Associate Shelly Ovalle, and students in the Gallery Professional Practices class for your time and efforts. I am grateful to Jenay Cross and Dr. David Craig for assistance with our website design and for coordination with the Research, Creativity, and Community Involvement Symposium. I also give sincere thanks to the entire Department faculty for sharing your passion for learning and creating, which sustains, challenges, and inspires our students.
Artist Shane de Leon poses for a portrait at Billings gallery 4ZERO7 with his artwork
in July 2020.
I especially thank this year’s juror, Billings-based artist, gallery owner, musician, curator, and cultural impresario Shane de Leon. De Leon’s efforts to bring attention to the imaginations, connections, and energies that shape our city and connect our world, heartens and inspires me. It has been a true pleasure to work with him and I appreciate the characteristically generous, thoughtful insight he brought to this year’s jurying process.
Lastly, I congratulate all artists selected for inclusion in the exhibition. Please keep taking risks and creating in whatever form, medium, discipline or avenue that takes. Our department, our campus, and our community are immeasurably enriched by your creative energy and efforts.
Sincerely,
Leanne Gilbertson, Ph.D.
