This week the 96th Annual Students’ Exhibition opened, showcasing the work of OU art and art history students. The free public reception will be held 6 to 10 p.m. Friday.

“There are 51 pieces this year,” said Jordan Strickland, art school graduate and staff assistant who has helped organize the show. “They range from undergrads to grad students.”

The oldest annual art show in Oklahoma, the 96th Annual Students’ Exhibtion is the only juried show on campus. Awards will be announced at 7 p.m. and range from many cash prizes to the coveted T.G. Mays Purchase Award. The winner of the T.G. Mays Purchase Award receives the privilege of having their work of art become a permanent part of the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s collection.

“What makes this show special is that students from the beginners to the advanced have the ability to shine,” Strickland said. “It’s an open show to the school and it’s a big honor to be selected. Most of our other shows are very specific.”

A diverse array of works will be featured at the students’ exhibition.

“We have everything from photography to sculpture to film and video,” Strickland said.

This year’s show also features a sight specific piece by Kate Jackson and a split channel video installation by Benjamin Pointer.

“Kate’s sight specific piece was created to exist only in the Lightwell Gallery, it isn’t permanent.” Strickland said. “Benjamin’s split channel video installation has two monitors displaying hand-drawn animation.”

The public receptions, is made complete with free food and live music at 8 p.m. by the Ivan Pena Trio.

“Our opening on Friday is going to be a big party. We expect 400 to 500 people,” Strickland said.

The exhibition runs through April 9 when a closing reception will be featured on the Norman Gallery Association’s Second Friday Circuit of Art from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Lightwell Gallery is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is located in the Fred Jones Art Center at 520 Parrington Oval.