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Among the 218 entries for Bellwethers Annual Juried Exhibition were four pieces from University of North Georgia (��������) students, including Alexandra McCloy's “Living Patterns,” which was awarded the Lane Last Award for Best in Show, the highest award given at the exhibition.

Rachel Coggins' "Aura" and "Are We There Yet?" along with "Nothing But a Memory" by Maddie Engle were also accepted into exhibition at the West Tennessee Regional Art Center hosted by the University of Tennessee (UT) at Martin.

Clay Palmer, director of the Center for Southern Art and gallery and events coordinator at UT Martin said pieces were submitted by 43 different student artists from 16 different institutions across the Southeast. McCloy's piece was chosen by juror Lacy Mitcham, who serves as the public programs coordinator at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens in Memphis, Tennessee. The Bellwethers exhibition is held annually and is designed to encourage student artists as they hone their craft and give them a chance to network with their peers across the region.

"Alex is to be commended for her innovative use of material, and we were proud to host her work in this year's exhibition," Palmer said.

Their encouragement has meant so much to me as I started building my career as an artist." 

Coggins had two pieces “Aura” and “Are We There Yet?” and Engel’s “Nothing But a Memory” were also accepted into the exhibition.

All three students are pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a drawing and painting concentration.  

When Dr. Erin McIntosh, associate professor of visual arts at ��������, learned of the exhibition, she immediately thought of “Living Patterns” because it is a “standout piece.”

 “It is beautifully constructed, visually strong, and very unique. I was struck by the degree of experimentation with materials, while also shaping those materials with great control and awareness of the principles of design and engagement with her subject,” McIntosh said. ‘I was impressed with the way Alex truly explored and stretched herself - the resulting artwork is ambitious and stunning. Juried exhibitions are often highly competitive and upon seeing her work I thought she had a really good chance.”

McCloy said she admires and respects McIntosh not only as an artist but also as a professional.

"I love her. She's the best," McCloy said. "I love her art. I love the way she's taking her career and how she handles her business, and the gallery work she does. She's very professional, and I aspire to be like her or somewhat like her."

 McCloy signs her pieces “Alyx,” a name she claimed as a child. She said she was “the art kid, always drawing, always painting.” Her father made large prints of her childhood work – including her splatter pieces – and she has several at home.  

“It’s kind of cool to see where I was as a kid and where I am now. Art was something I had put on the back burner as a hobby,” McCloy said. “You think you can’t make money as an artist, so when I went to college, I was determined I was going to be a nurse, because that makes money. But it wasn’t my passion, so I chose art as a place holder. I never changed it and I’m so glad.”

McCloy said she’s discovering more about herself as an artist.

“I love having the freedom to express myself. I love creating things with my hands,” she said. “When I’m done with a piece of work, I look at it and think ‘that came for me, I made that.’ I grow attached to my pieces, too. But just that idea of creating and having that freedom to do whatever you want. Anything can be art. There are no limitations.”

 The exhibition was created by Lane Last, professor of graphic design at UT Martin. UT Faculty created the Lane Last Award for Best in Show to honor Professor Last which carries a $200 award.