Celebrating a decade of collaboration between Abilene’s colleges and universities, the Center for Contemporary Arts is hosting its annual Intercollegiate Student Art Competition.

From Jan. 23 to Feb. 23, entries from the local colleges will be on display in the gallery. On Feb. 14, awards will be given in four categories: two-dimensional non-digital, two-dimensional digital, three- dimensional, and photography. Winners are eligible for cash prizes, a one-year membership to the gallery as well as local recognition for their efforts.

Trudy Six, gallery manager at the Center for Contemporary Arts, said she is eager for the Center to reach out to younger student artists.

“We wanted to have a competition that was open to local college students,” Six said, “so they can see what local artists are doing.”

Judged by local artists, the entries to the competition range from many levels of expertise.  

“We had over 75 entries this year,” Six said.  “We get good participation from all of the universities, it’s kind of equal this year.”

Anthia Nibizi, recently graduated painting major from Burundi, was one of last year’s winners. Her winning piece was this year’s poster for the competition.

“It’s very inclusive, anyone can pretty much enter,” Nibizi said. “It includes all the different universities in town, so you get to see your competition.”

Nibizi, after interning for the Center for Contemporary Arts, now works there as a part-time staff member, helping to put together competitions like this one.

Having participated in the contest for two years, Nibizi shared advice for students interested in competing: “If you don’t get it, don’t be too hurt, art is subjective… Just keep working hard.”

With the many opportunities offered to artists entering the competition, there also comes the chance to sell their artwork.

“We don’t ask, but if someone inquires, we contact the student,” Six said.

Typically, when art on exhibit at the Center is purchased, a percentage of the sale goes to the gallery, but with this competition, all sales go directly to the student.

Following the awards ceremony on Feb. 14,a small reception will take place for those in attendance. For more information, visit the Center for Contemporary Art’s website.