“Forgive Me Father,” oil on waxpaper, 48″ x 48″ by Vincent Wright.

Works by BFA seniors Amanda Farris and Vincent Wright were selected for the prestigious Surreal Salon 15 exhibition at Baton Rouge Gallery, from hundreds of international submissions. Farris’ piece “Bird House” and Wright’s piece “Forgive Me Father” were selected to be included in the exhibition through a blind jury process by juror Marco Mazzoni. Wright’s piece was awarded third place winner and Farris received Honorable Mention.

Additionally, works by several LSU School of Art graduate students, including MFA candidates Caleb Gridley, Thrasyvoulous Kalaitzidis and Rachel York, were selected for inclusion in the exhibition.

The Baton Rouge Gallery is partnering with the LSU School of Art in the annual Surreal Salon show, which was curated by visiting artist Mazzoni, of Milan, Italy. Surreal Salon 15 features the work of more than 62 artists representing 21 states and nine different nations. Artists from all over the world apply for the exhibit, which culminates with the Surreal Salon Soiree, when awards were presented January 21, 2023.

“It is very unlikely for an undergraduate’s work to be chosen from among worldwide entries by professional artists, and that their work was awarded is exceptional,” said Kelli Scott Kelley, professor of art/painting. “I am very proud of these students! Our high achieving painting seniors are graduating in May.”

“Bird House,” charcoal on paper, 40″ x 52″ by Amanda Farris.

“I am so grateful my work got to be a part of the Surreal Salon 15!” Farris said. “There were almost 500 submissions for this show and I placed honorable mention, which is wild. Words cannot express how excited and honored I am!”