This year, four pieces were chosen. McGuire, a senior in sculpture from Carterville, was shocked to learn her piece was purchased. She entered the competition because she felt it was time to start showing her work. I can't believe I won. I'm in shock.
Students name their own prices for their art.
The art chosen to be in the show will remain on display in Art Alley until May 5. The Purchase Awards were started in 1977 by John Corker for that exact reason. Corker, the former director of the Student Center, came to SIUC in 1976. With the opening of the Craft Shop in 1976 and student-artists on the rise, Corker decided to start the Purchase Awards. The Purchase Awards have been recognizing student art for 23 years and has never missed a year.