By Bryan Sullivan

Students of the 24th Annual Art Education Juried Exhibition expressed themselves through photography, ceramic, clay and paintings.

The exhibition opened Feb. 20th with a reception, and will be displayed in the Upton Hall Art Gallery until March 14th.

The exhibition features 57 pieces from 28 artists, all from the art education department.

Senior Art Education major Mark McCoy has two pencil on paper pieces in the exhibition; 2001’s “Sacrifice” and 2003’s “Release.”

“Sacrifice” illustrates his father, a sergeant in the Army during the Vietnam War.

“It was more of a memorial to him,” McCoy said.

McCoy’s father’s outfit featured the Purple Hearts, even though he never wore them on his uniform.

“I added them to the uniform because we were so close,” McCoy said. “My mom died when I was pretty young, so it was pretty much my father and I growing up.”

“Release” deals with McCoy’s divorce. The piece features McCoy’s left hand with a wedding ring missing, and a dove carrying an olive branch.

According to McCoy, the olive branch and dove symbolize freedom.

“It was tough for me to put that in there,” McCoy said of choosing the piece. “I didn’t want to put something in a public view that would be that open about myself but at the same time I figured why not.”

Art education major Leah Daniels wanted to get involved in the show because she felt it would help her teach.

“I just think as a teacher you should continue to nurture yourself to be able to teach,” Daniels said.

Daniels selected two color photographs and one black and white photograph. She believes nature really inspired her in each piece.

“I chose them because of the different feelings, different locations,” Daniels said. “A lot of what I’m inspired by is in nature.”

Both McCoy and Daniels hope people leave the show with a greater appreciation of their art and art in general.

“With my father’s portrait more or less to reflect on family values,” said McCoy about “Sacrifice.”

McCoy also wants “Release” to lead to personal reflection.

“Just to reflect on their own life,” McCoy said. “Maybe it will make them think longer and harder about their own choices.”

Daniels hopes the patron appreciates the artist and art.

“I hope it’s encouraging,” Daniels said. “I hope you can find a form you love and express yourself through it.”

The exhibit is open to all Buffalo State College students with college identification.