Artists from across the country featured in 40th Small Works exhibit

Harper College is highlighting the small-scale work of artists from across the country at its 40^th annual Small Works exhibit.

The national juried exhibition opens Monday, August 28, and run through Thursday, September 29, at Harper’s Art Exhibition Space, Building C, Room C200, on the College’s main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine.

“Juried shows are a long tradition, and there are not many that run this many consecutive years,” said art Professor Jason Peot. “For its longevity and consistency, Harper’s exhibition is fairly significant in that regard.”

Patrons can view the work and read statements from more than 20 artists. Work represents a range of media including painting, prints and sculpture. This year’s Small Works exhibit received nearly 600 entries.

“The community gets a little sampling of what’s happening all around the country,” Peot said. “The show is nicely different that way every year. We always have a really good mix of artists.”

The year’s exhibit is juried by Mark Rospenda, curator of exhibitions and collections at the South Bend Museum of Art. Since joining the curatorial staff in 2010, he has organized and overseen more than 40 exhibitions.

Rospenda said he made selections based on what he believed to be the strongest work submitted, rather than a specific theme or focus.

“The best artworks can help us see our world in new ways, and – as the artworks in this exhibition prove – size is no obstacle to that,” Rospenda said.

The exhibit is free and open to the community. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

For more information, visit harpercollege.edu/smallworks or contact the Art Department at 847.925.6568.