Ohio Staters, Inc. wants students to put their artistic talents on display at the second annual “Festival of the Finest.”
The group, one of the oldest student organizations on campus, is dedicated to promoting the traditions of Ohio State, said Hans Voss, a junior in political science and the festival co-chair.
According to submission materials posted on the Ohio Staters Web site, “Festival of the Finest” is not limited to the visual arts. Performance artists are encouraged to apply as well.
The festival will be held in the Great Hall of the new Ohio Union this spring. Group members have set a goal of displaying art in the most public place possible.
“We have great artistic traditions at Ohio State,” Voss said. “This event provides an outlet for artists because we felt arts were under appreciated.”
Ohio Staters has been involved with the arts for a number of years and the “Festival of the Finest” is part of that tradition, said Tracy Stuck, assistant vice president for Student Life and the director of the Ohio Union.
“It’s a great example of some of the art projects that Staters have started,” Stuck said. “They have a great history of coming up with things in the art world.”
The group also founded the Ohio Union Art Board, which purchases art from faculty, staff, students and alumni to decorate the building.
Student artists who submit work to the festival may even find that their art ends up in the Ohio Union permanently.
“Our art board can look at [the submissions] and you never know, one of your pieces may be purchased by the Union,” she said.
Voss said he hopes to see a diverse set of submissions, including those from nontraditional sources.
“I think the arts community at Ohio State extends beyond art majors,” he said. “This is good for students who don’t have the Hopkins Hall Gallery.”
Artists interested in applying to be part of the show should visit staters.org.ohio-state.edu to download submission materials.
Applications must be submitted by March 12, either online or at the information desk of the Ohio Union at Ohio Stadium. The Festival of the Finest will take place on April 23.
