If you can get there early enough before all the savvy and experienced art collectors pick up the best works of art, from May 10 through June 1, 2008, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will host its 107th Annual Student Exhibition (ASE) in the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building.

We're big fans of student artwork, and this exhibition has a reputation for being one of the best in the nation. Underwritten by the Women's Board of the Academy, the exhibition allows visitors to see and purchase works by third- and fourth-year Certificate program students and Master of Fine Arts candidates.

Now in its 107th year, this exhibition represents the culmination of training in the Academy's disciplines of painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking. Expect to see more than 1,000 works of art for sale.

This is one of the best avenues for beginning art collectors to start collecting fine art while at the same time helping a budding artist's career.

The artwork will be hung salon style in the Fisher Brooks Gallery and Gallery 128 on the first floor of the Hamilton Building and the Walter and Leonore Annenberg; the School of Fine Arts, Gift of the Women's Board; and Tuttleman Sculpture galleries on the second floor.

A Preview Party will take place on Thursday, May 8, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. This Preview Party is the first opportunity for collectors and the public to meet the students and have the first chance to purchase exhibited art works. Entry is timed by ticket level and proceeds support scholarships and programs of the Academy. For information regarding the Preview Party, call 215-972-7639 or purchase tickets online at www.Wbsecure.org.

A free public preview reception of the Annual Student Exhibition will take place Friday, May 9, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

PAFA 107th Annual Student Exhibition
May 10 through June 1, 2008
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building
128 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-972-2031

Image Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts