A new exhibit of student artwork opens next week in the art gallery of LBW Community College in Andalusia.

“We have an annual show of all works completed in studio art classes throughout the year,” said LBWCC Art Instructor Misti Purvis.

The juried exhibit features the “Best of Show,” a three-dimensional cardboard and paper eagle sculpture by Sebastian Reaser of Andalusia.

“Art has no boundaries,” said Reaser. “Science and other disciplines have strict rules you can’t break, but art is what you make it to be.”

The winning work is displayed as though in flight, talons flared to catch prey. It is the complexity of design for the material used that earned the highest recognition, said Purvis.

The inspiration for the design comes from Reaser’s faith.

“God is a big part of my life and His creations in nature truly inspire me,” Reaser said.

He plans to transfer to Troy University to obtain a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree, then putting his skills to work in creative design art.

“An example would be the Avatar characters or John Carter’s Martians,” he said, referring to two science fiction movies with digitally created animated characters.

“Originally, I wanted to be an architect because I like to create things. But you’re confined with that, and design has no boundaries. My ultimate goal is to open my own studio.”

Jamie Spann of Andalusia, a freshman, won first-place for her scratch board drawing.

“I like drawing,” she said. “I won an art contest when I was in the first grade and took art classes in high school.”

Spann’s ultimate career goal is to become a fashion designer in New York.

This year’s promotional poster was designed by students Derrick Bass and Denille Spears. The show is open April 23 through May 4, 2012. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.-noon on Friday.

“We welcome the public to view the works and to attend a free reception on April 26th, 4-6 p.m., in the gallery,” said Purvis.

For more information, call 334-881-2250.