The Cress Gallery of Art announces the opening of the UTC Department of Art Juried Student Exhibition with a public reception and awards presentation, Tuesday, January 18, 5:30 pm.This year's Juror Hope Hilton, artist, curator, writer/publisher, designer, and performer (www.hopehilton.com) from Athens, Ga., selected 54 works from a record total of 141 submitted.Hilton notes "The strength i see in this program is the attention paid to craft combined with concept.  It is incredible to see work that generates so much curiosity and emotion. These students are ambitious. hard-working, and inspired."

Robert Parker, 3^rdYear Photo + Media Arts Major, “Walkers”, 2009 Photography III, ink jet print

Work in this exhibition is drawn from the UTC Department of Art's professional curriculum: Foundation Study, Painting and Drawing, 3D Studio, Graphic Design, Photo + Media Arts, and Special / Independent Project courses.  The Cress is located in the Lobby of the UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine Street, Chattanooga, 37403.Gallery hours are 9:30am to 7:30pm Monday - Friday, and 1:00pm - 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday.  The Cress is open through intermission for all UTC Patten Series Performances. Visitors may obtain a parking pass from the UTC Parking Office located in the Facilities  Building on Palmetto Street; parking is free in any lot (not signed as 24 hour reserved) after 5:00pm.For more information contact the Cress Gallery Director and Curatorruth-grover@utc.educell 423-304-9789or visit www.utc.edu/cressgalleryand join the Cress Gallery of Art on FACEBOOKDon't miss this special exhibition and hope to see you at the Cress!

Ruth GroverDirector and CuratorUTC Cress Gallery of Art