This past weekend, the WUD Art Gala made its debut, offering people the chance to observe student work to be featured in University of Wisconsin’s Illumination journal, an undergraduate humanities publication. The Gala only happens once a year, this time popping up in a cozy room on the second floor of Memorial Union.

People gathered to look at artwork and listen to smooth jazz from Left Field Quartet, a group consisting of UW student musicians Saturday. The addition of the three performers added a personal aspect to the relaxing atmosphere.

The WUD team organized and attended the entire event.

Big Ten(t) exhibit showcases best of UW’s artistic past, present

While some people might expect to be drawn to the musical aspect of the event, or perhaps the snack table provided by the university’s catering services, the artwork remained the star of the show.

There was a multitude of different styles and mediums, a mixture of emotion and expression that lit up the room with inspiration and ideas. The artwork ranged from painted works to digital pieces.

One piece in particular, Vic, by Audrey Hansa, stole the spotlight for the Gala. It hung in the corner, balancing delicately on screws. A woman in a red dress, holding a guitar, lay sprawled on a purple stage, expressively strumming away.

This large painting showed a lot of detail, without needing to include every wrinkle in the performer’s skin or the areas her dress would have made. The painting perfectly captured the essence of losing oneself in their art and their passion.

Each and every piece of work had unique elements that set them apart from the rest of the collection. People came to see artwork, and were pleasantly surprised with a welcoming crowd, a personal performance and professional pieces that captured the spirits of each artist that was showcased.