Open Studio Night showcases student artwork

Students and faculty from the Graduate School of Fine Arts showed off their talents yesterday at the school's second-annual Open Studio Night in the Morgan and "Blau Haus" buildings. According to the show's organizers, its purpose was to create a stronger tie between the school and the Philadelphia community through increased visibility. Visitors munched on fruit, cheese and crackers while viewing paintings and sculptures displayed in the open art studios. The artists were on hand to chat about their exhibits. On the first floor of Morgan, more than 30 works of art -- all created by graduate students and faculty members -- were auctioned off, with bids starting between $25 and $35. According to Open Studio co-chairperson Kett Schoenfeld, a second-year Fine Arts graduate student, the event "gave people the opportunity to buy art at a low price, and made art accessible to the public." Money earned at the auction will be put towards the Fine Arts students' activity fund. According to Schoenfeld, last year's proceeds helped the school buy a new television and VCR. At Blau Haus, prize-winning works of the juried exhibition for undergraduates were displayed. Fine Arts students praised the works of College juniors Kate Simon and Laura Amrofell, and College senior Kate Carpenter as particularly outstanding. Winners were awarded gift certificates to Taws Art Supply. The audience seemed to be very impressed with the displays. Viewing an award-winning painting at Blau Haus, Wharton senior Mohamed Ajouz was eager to give his opinion. "Artists do it on canvas," he said. And College junior Sean Lucan said he was moved by first-year Fine Arts graduate student Sarah Roche's painting. Schoenfeld said that students should look for a similar event next year.