From postcards to quilts to a life-sized gorilla, the artwork of 39 artists from 16 Texas counties is now available to view without ever leaving campus.Moudy Building North is showcasing these pieces of art at the 25th annual Art in the Metroplex exhibition, which runs from Sept. 8 to Oct. 3.

Kasey Waas, a sophomore art history major and student volunteer, said the exhibit is TCU’s annual contribution to the DFW area’s museum and school exhibitions. Waas said it is also an opportunity for six local artists to be awarded money for their talents. The top award presented to an artist was the Beth Lea and John L. Clardy Memorial Award with a gift of $1,000.

Independent curator and juror Michael Dunkin chose the artwork after being hired by the art and art history department. Dunkin gave a description of why he chose the particular pieces at Gallery night Sept. 8.

According to the Fort Worth Art Dealers Association’s Web site, viewers should expect to be challenged and stimulated by the top works in painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media.

Shelley Hampe, a graduate student, said she thinks the best way to get a good explanation of what the juror was thinking is by taking a stroll through the gallery.

“The juror selects the pieces,” Hampe said. “Usually, he has an agenda or a certain vision he is going for when selecting them.”

Waas agreed and said when walking through, she thought the juror had a very specific style in mind.

“I think it’s very eclectic in terms of style but all of it seems to have a modern feel,” Hampe said. “I don’t think he was trying to fit a certain type, just whatever moved him.”

Hampe was the only TCU student chosen to have her artwork appear in the exhibit, and although she was not a recipient of any awards, she said the opportunity was enough.

“I was surprised because this is noted as a hard show to be a part of,” Hampe said. “They choose big time curator people so I was shocked and very excited at the same time.”

Hampe said part of her excitement was knowing that people are taking time to look at her work.

“I guess you could say it builds awareness of what you’re doing,” Hampe said. “You’re not going to go spend time with artwork you don’t like.”

Waas said the exhibit gets its fair share of attention.

“On weekends there tends to be a lot of local people but throughout the day there’s mostly students and faculty visiting,” Hampe said.

The artists will take home their individual pieces Oct. 3, but in the meantime, the exhibit is open Monday through Sunday. Specific information about the gallery can be found at www.artandarthistory.tcu.edu.