The Seven-State Biennial Art Exhibit will be featured at the Nesbitt Gallery starting on Saturday, September 26 at 7 pm with an opening reception and will be in the gallery until Nov. 4. It will display artwork by artists from the surrounding, or contiguous, states. The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) began the event in 2001 with the help of the first art director Cecil Lee.

Layne Thrift, the Nesbitt Gallery Director, said that the show had over 300 works of art submitted this year. The show will even feature the artwork of USAO professors and students, such as Blake Morgan, Jordan Vinyard, Michael Graft, and John Bruce.

There are four main prizes that will be presented at the opening reception. The first prize is for $2,500, the second for $1,500, the third is $500, and then there will be 5 honorable mentions awards that are $100 each.

The head judge, or juror, for this year is famed artist James Surls. He has artwork that is featured, according to the Seven-State booklet, “in more than 425 publications” and is known for innovative sculptures. Jesus Moroles, a past judge, was one of the moving forces that convinced Surls to participate in the art show. Surls states in the booklet, “It is with a certain reverence that I honor the intent of his purpose by being a juror for USAO’s upcoming ‘2015 Seven-State Biennial Exhibition in Chickasha, OKla.”