The newly renovated Student Union Art Gallery will open with the 20”x20”x20”: A National Compact Competition Exhibit on April 14.
Judith Stahl, the director and coordinator of the Art Gallery, said the gallery has been renovated at least twice since it was built in 1964.
“It was always scheduled to be renovated since the $85.5 million renovation of the [Student Union] in 2005,” Stahl said.
Stahl said the upgrades include new glass doors, white museum walls, and electrical outlets for digital media shows as well as new LED lighting systems, that will not generate heat that could damage the artwork. In addition the carpet will be replaced after more than 20 years of use.
Stahl also said the renovated art gallery will accommodate students’ desires for a backpack storage area by providing a place next to the entrance because they are not allowed to bring their bags into the gallery.
The student representatives of the Art Advisory Committee requested the storage area to prevent students from losing their backpacks and from accidentally knocking over artwork.
The Art Advisory Committee, made up of students, faculty, staff and members of the community, will sponsor the 20”x20”x20” event — now in its 18th year — as well as decide what exhibits will be featured in the gallery in the future.
Shana Barefoot, collections and exhibitions manager at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, will serve as the juror for this year’s 20”x20”x20” competition and judge the work of artists from around the country.
Out of 435 entries submitted by 140 artists, Barefoot narrowed the selections down to 70 pieces by 61 artists.
The first, second and third place prizes will be $1,800, $1,300 and $900, respectively. Merit awards of $400 each will also be presented to five contestants.
“I personally would like to see the Union Art Gallery filled with LSU students interested in art,” said Josh Smith, a student representative of the Art Advisory Committee. “Many students here at LSU have never had the opportunity to see an art gallery, and I hope they take advantage of it.”
Stahl said the committee plans to host five shows next year, two of which will be tailored to undergraduate students. The shows will feature student photography, film and social media content.