The annual Student Juried Art Exhibition will open in the Isabella Cannon Room in the Center for the Arts Nov. 21 at 5:30. The exhibit is organized every year by the ART 380, Professional Practices class, a required course for art majors. The exhibition is a way for Elon students to showcase their works.

Professional Practices is designed to teach art majors necessary skills such as designing websites for their artwork, applying to national art shows, running an art exhibition and more. This year's theme is Prospectus.

Natalie Butler, senior art major, said the class is important because it teaches students "things that might not typically be encountered in a studio class, but are essential skills for any artist."

This year's exhibition may capture a larger audience because of its central location on campus.

"Honestly, a lot of student exhibitions happen in Arts West, which is a building that most students don't visit — some even never at all," Butler said. "So I believe that holding an exhibition of hand-picked, top-notch student work in the Center for the Arts is the best way to promote the visual arts on campus."

An array of creative pieces will be on display this year. Students may submit up to three pieces along with a $5 entry fee. Senior Laura Brentrup will showcase her pieces, including plates of ceramic "food."

"The larger issues I am commenting on surround the influences of cultural traditions, rituals and customs surrounding food," Brentrup said. "For many people, it is slightly bizarre seeing something that appears as 'real food' at first glance, but then they realize it is actually made out of clay, portraying the idea of do we really know what we're eating?"

Brentrup's pieces, which will be displayed buffet-style, include a clay hamburger, fries and three Italian dishes.

Senior JR Riegel will also be submitting ceramic pieces but his have a different focus than Brentrup's.

"I'm submitting functional ceramic work with sculptural elements," Riegel said. "In one piece, two mugs each with an eye will be looking at one another. In another, I made the opening of a jar into a mouth with a protruding tongue."

This year's exhibition winner will be chosen by local artist Frank Russell. As a practicing artist, Russell will be able to provide feedback to those participating. The winner will receive a monetary prize.

"Students and faculty should come see the show for the same reasons that anyone attends a sporting event or a musical performance," Brentrup said. "It is a showcase of skill and talent of Elon students. Additionally, there are some really thought-provoking pieces that comment on a wide spectrum of issues."

Although the exhibition will be displayed throughout Winter Term, the opening reception will be an opportunity for attendees to interact with the artists.

"Everyone will be able to talk to the artists and professors to find out more about each work," said Riegel. "The reception is an opportunity to hear about the conceptual issues artistically-inclined students are dealing with."

The opening reception will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Isabella Cannon Room Nov. 21.