Artists 'Emerge' in Friday night show

Tired of doing the same thing every weekend? Looking for something different to do on a Friday night? If so, look no further than Emerge Gallery and Art Center in downtown Greenville.

Emerge, a non-profit art center run by artists and students, offers a variety of shows and exhibits throughout the year. From Aug. 29 to Sept. 27, the center will be hosting its eighth annual "Schwa Show."

The show is a juried exhibition that will display around 60 various pieces of art media. The competition has allowed artists from across the nation to showcase their artwork. Each participant could submit up to five entries that had to be done within the past three years and never previously exhibited at Emerge.

The show was judged by Lynn Jones Ennis, the curator of the collection for the Gregg Museum of Art and Design at North Carolina State University. Winners will be announced at a reception on Sept. 5 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"[This] just gives people an opportunity to share their artwork with other people," said Vicky Fanberg, exhibit and events coordinator of Emerge Gallery.

More than 300 pieces of artwork were entered into the show, with approximately a third of the pieces done by students at ECU and others by members in the community. Artists as far away as California entered the show as well.

Cash prizes will be awarded to four winners, including best in show, first, second and third place. However, according to Fanberg, just being selected to be in the show is considered an honor.

"To be accepted into a jury show is a moment of recognition for some," Fanberg said.

The reception is open to the public and most of the artwork is for sale. Artwork includes any type of media from ceramics and textiles to prints and photos.

Justin Flythe, a senior majoring in photography and an intern at Emerge, submitted one of his photography pieces in the Schwa Show. This is his first year participating.

"I entered my work into the show just for the exposure," said Flythe. "Emerge is the best place to show contemporary art."

Emerge will be hosting another juried exhibition, entitled Vote-11-08 as soon as the Schwa Show ends.

Fanberg said the show will allow artists to express their opinions on society.

"It will be a broad range of any feelings you may have about any issues," Fanberg said.

Those interested in entering their work into the show can pick up an application at Emerge Gallery and Art Center or online at emergegallery.com.

If downtown happens to be on your agenda Friday, or if you are already a fan of art, then go and check out what Emerge has to offer. Who knows, you may be inspired to create something yourself.

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.