May 3–10, 2001

arts picks|art

PAFA Annual Student Exhibition

Ninety-nine years ago, PAFA initiated the first exhibition by student artists ever held in the U.S. But the Annual Student Exhibition is no misty tradition. It acts as a springboard for the Academy’s most promising talents. The 20th century saw PAFA alumni such as Charles Sheeler and Louis Kahn cut their teeth at this showcase.

It’s a new century, but most art students still face the constant pressure to command acclaim while also business-propositioning the muse. So, for them, this enormous show is valuable; over 1,000 juried works by new artists await public judgement and purchase beginning this week. Of course, it celebrates the sharp edge — from Lee Nyquist’s muted works in charcoal, to Morton Brown’s twisted spin on anime (like Mad Dorothy, pictured left). There are too many names to note here, so get down there and choose your favorites. You never know — history might just match your picks.

—Juliet Fletcher

Runs May 11-June 3, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118 N Broad St., 215-972-7600. Preview, Wed., May 9, 5-8:30 p.m., prices vary, 215-972-7639.