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This annual Graduate Student event is always worth a visit, not merely to navigate your way around KU's labyrinth Art Department but also to see how these young artists have developed over the year and what direction they are heading in. The variety of work on display is impressive and reflects the quality and diversity of programs available at KU. This year's show features painting, sculpture, installation art, photography, printmaking, metals, textiles and mixed media.Most of these students are in transition and still figuring out how to express themselves independently and without regurgitation. Indeed, a number of these aspiring artists tend to repeat what has been done before so it is hard to see where they derive personal inspiration from. Meghan Bahn slippers with 'Self-Ticking Devices' attached are whimsically kitschy but take you no further than that. Callie Parrot Bower's oil and charcoal paintings clearly required a monumental effort in the making but fall short of conveying anything other than basic technique. Kendra Herring, on the other hand, delves deeper with her two pieces 'Swallow' and 'Loss'. 'Swallow' consists of a large display of multiple spoons, each containing small, found objects. She wrangles with ideas of what swallowing can entail and moves forward with her own interpretations. 'Loss' also draws the viewer into a new conceptual framework with its scientific array of human and animal teeth, inset in see-through, containers arranged in lines like specimens from those lost or dead. Graduate work from the Jewelry and Metalsmithing classes also demonstrates particular maturity and technical ability. Sean Macmillan's copper sculptures are worth noting in this regard, as is Jennifer Wehlacz 'traditional' sterling silver teapot with a rosewood handle. Kate Outenreath's 'Population Pill Popping' gives a new twist to the necklace with a string of pink plastic babies. Her 'Freeze Don't Move' is a dangerous glove-shaped instrument made from glass, rubber and metal reminiscent of something out of 'Edward Scissorhands'. Beth Powell's expanded media installation also delves into the realm of fantasy and horror. Her 'Tumours' fill a whole corner of the gallery with large, brown globs hanging mid-air, like giant toxic lumps. In all, this show provides a good cross-section of work from the graduating classes. More importantly, it challenges these young artists to think outside the box and to consider how they will make their mark out here in the real world.For more information, the public may contact Chris Johnson, 832-1321, zionsun@ku.edu.