'The Big Show' honoring WWU art students begins June 1 in Western Gallery

The Art Department at Western Washington University will present "The Big Show," an exhibition honoring the work of graduating BA and BFA Studio Art students, beginning Wednesday, June 1, in the Western Gallery. The exhibition brings together an exciting variety of work in photography, sculpture, painting/drawing, fibers and mixed media that reflects the vitality and diversity of the Studio Art program at Western. Hosted by Western Gallery, "The Big Show" continues through graduation ceremonies on Saturday, June 11.

Special recognition awards will be made at an opening reception at 4 p.m. June 1. For these awards, the Studio Art faculty invited curator Barbara Matilsky to be the juror. Matilsky is the newest addition to the Whatcom Museum’s creative team. In the new Lightcatcher building, Matilsky has transformed the exhibition schedule at the museum with her thoughtful and creative curation of contemporary and historical works. Matilsky holds a Ph.D. in art history from New York University and has an impressive list of exhibitions to her credit. Her inaugural show at the Whatcom Museum of John Grade's work pushed the boundaries of installation, and her forthcoming exhibition of Lesley Dill's work promises to be equally exciting. For "The Big Show," Matilsky will select awards of distinction in a variety of categories.

"The Big Show" takes place Wednesday, June 1, through Saturday, June 11, at Western Gallery. The exhibition is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Wednesdays, when it's open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The gallery is open noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and will be open after graduation ceremonies on June 11.