LA PLATA, Md. — Student artwork now fills the walls and pedestals of the Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery at the College of Southern Maryland La Plata Campus highlighting the creativity and accomplishments of visual arts students in the Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit.
The display features pieces across multiple mediums including painting drawing photography ceramics and sculpture. The exhibit gives emerging artists a professional gallery setting to present their work to the Southern Maryland community.
CSM Visual Arts Professor Andrew Wodzianski said the juried show celebrates a wide range of artistic styles and lets students express their individuality and personality. He added that placing work in a professional gallery offers experience that goes far beyond a classroom assignment. “Student artwork in this juried gallery setting can transcend confidence,” Wodzianski said. “Beyond meeting an assignment objective there’s consensus from the entire art department that this artwork is good and needs to be shown to a wider audience.”
Many participants are experiencing their first formal gallery exhibition. Ingrid Haslerud a computer science major who began studying art this year has several pieces on display including black-and-white photographs and a coil pot. “I never imagined this would be something I’d try so it feels cool,” Haslerud said. “It’s something that I love to do. I love expressing my inner feelings and putting myself into my work.”
Haslerud earned selection for the Walter B. Grove II Memorial Art Scholarship established in 1999 by Walter and Jane Grove in memory of their son Walter Two who earned an associate degree with an emphasis in studio art at CSM. The award supports visual arts students pursuing their studies. “It’s absolutely incredible to be selected,” Haslerud said. “It takes a lot of financial stress off me and I am absolutely grateful that I got picked.”
The exhibit remains open during regular campus hours through May 7. Student award winners will be announced at a reception scheduled for today Thursday April 16 at 2:30 p.m. The free event is open to the public and offers visitors a chance to meet the artists and celebrate their achievements.
Southern Maryland residents value the College of Southern Maryland’s role as a regional hub for higher education and creative development. The La Plata Campus art gallery named for longtime supporter Tony Hungerford provides a dedicated space for student work that connects classroom learning with community appreciation. Each year the juried exhibit draws attention to the talent nurtured at CSM and reinforces the importance of arts programs in building confidence and skills for students across diverse majors.
The display not only spotlights technical proficiency but also personal stories of growth. Haslerud’s journey from computer science studies to artistic expression shows how CSM encourages exploration beyond traditional academic paths. Her scholarship recognition highlights the lasting impact of the Grove family’s commitment to studio art education since 1999.
Wodzianski emphasized the broader benefits for all participants. Exhibiting in a juried setting builds professional readiness and validates student effort through departmental consensus. The variety of mediums on view demonstrates the depth of instruction available at CSM and the range of creative voices emerging from Southern Maryland classrooms.
Campus visitors during the exhibit period can explore the full collection at their own pace. The Tony Hungerford Memorial Art Gallery serves as a central gathering point for arts appreciation on the La Plata Campus. The upcoming reception will bring together students faculty families and community members to honor the selected award winners in a public celebration of local talent.
The Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit continues a long-standing CSM tradition of elevating student work and fostering connections between the college and the wider Southern Maryland region. With the show running through early May residents have ample opportunity to view the pieces and support the next generation of artists. The event underscores CSM’s commitment to providing accessible creative outlets that enrich both individual students and the surrounding communities they call home.
Arts education at institutions like CSM plays a key role in Southern Maryland by developing critical thinking collaboration and self-expression skills that benefit students regardless of their primary field of study. The current exhibit illustrates this impact through the diverse backgrounds of participants like Haslerud and the professional presentation of their work.
College officials note that such shows help bridge academic programs with real-world experiences preparing students for future opportunities in creative fields or as informed community members. The free public access and today’s award reception make the display an inclusive event for families educators and art enthusiasts throughout Charles County and beyond.
