Point Park University is home to many talented creatives across various artistic mediums, including dance, vocal performance and film. Once a year, the university turns its focus to the photographers on campus with its annual Juried Art Exhibition. This year’s exhibition is titled A Space for Trust, and is the eighth annual exhibition of its kind. 

The week-long exhibition, which runs from March 6-13 at Artist Image Resource in Pittsburgh’s North Side, features 13 student artists from a variety of majors. The work was curated by local photographers Jake Reinhart and Sue Abramson and reflects the theme of personal challenges.

An opening reception on March 6 brought together the student artists, local photographers, university professors, family members and friends to celebrate the students’ work and engage with its meaning.

Point Park photography professor April Fridges and other artists opened the reception with speeches that highlighted the importance of having art displayed in a professional gallery.

“For many people in the show, several of our 13 students are not photo majors, which I think is unique. We’re bringing together not just photography, but a whole culture at Point Park,” said Fridges, associate photography professor and event organizer. “We’re showing students how to display their work professionally in a gallery off-campus. It’s a line on their resume, and many people, not only photo majors, now know how to print.”

Kameron Barnard, a junior photography student, had her works Bitches Ain’t Shit and Narcissistic Personality Disorder displayed. She reflected on the supportive photography culture at Point Park, which helped create the exhibit.

“It was a great experience. This is technically my third time doing this. The Point Park photography professors are always really helpful and willing to help,” Barnard said. “The students here are really great. We all just kind of work together; it’s just one big community.”

Bella Uskuraitis, a Point Park student and model for Madeline Marco’s displayed work Befriend the Numb, felt the exhibit was a culmination of the students’ hard work.

“I was very excited to see it because I was part of the process, doing it all with her [Marco]. It was so much fun, and I know how stressful it can be. Just seeing it on the walls is very exciting,” Uskuraitis said.

The evening was filled with community building and conversation, as every artist had the chance to showcase their work to enthusiastic friends, family and art-lovers who traveled to Pittsburgh for the event.

“So far, it’s been very nice. I’ve gotten to talk to a lot of different artists and a lot of people. Overall, it’s been a really good experience,” said Madeline Marco, a junior photography student.