Jill Specht entered Ballroom D of the Student Center Wednesday afternoon with the humble desire that most artists possess the thirst for a little recognition.

The prizes aren’t important, Specht, a sophomore in photography from Mahomet, said. I’m more concerned with getting some feedback and maybe a little publicity.

Specht was one of 80 artists to contribute to the 10th Annual Undergraduate Art Show Wednesday and Thursday. The show, open to full-time students of any major, displayed 106 works of art.

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Specht saw the show as an ideal opportunity to gauge the quality of her own work against that of fellow contestants.

For one thing, I get to see how good my work really is, Specht said.

For Specht the prize money did not matter, but for Paul Ingold, a senior in visual communications from Mundelein, the top prize was his greatest incentive for entering the contest.

I just thought for $200, why not give it a shot, he said.

The first-place winner was Iva Nikolova, who won a $200 award from the School of Art and Design and $100 gift certificate from the University Bookstore.

Andrew Noga received a $100 gift certificate from the Department of Cinema and Photography and a $75 gift certificate from the University Bookstore for his second-place entry.

For third place, Richard Ryan received a $75 award from SPC Visual Arts and a $50 gift certificate from University Bookstore.

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Holly Holmes, a member of the Visual Arts Committee and co-coordinator of the event, was satisfied with what she described as a good turnout.

Our main objective was reached, Holmes said, as everyone’s piece got the space and respect it deserved.

One participant, Loetitia S. Lilot, a computer graphics major from Johnston City, was exceptionally grateful for the respect and space she received at the show.

I appreciate the opportunity to share artwork with other students and faculty, Lilot said.

The show was a diverse exhibition with a variety of visual art media. Works varied from black and white photography to oil canvas paintings.

Judges said that while the entries embodied a full spectrum of artistic styles, the unifying theme was one of creativity.

Larry Briggs, an associate professor of the School of Art and Design and one of the five judges of the event, said creativity was the most decisive factor in determining the superiority of one artwork to the next.

I consider numerous things when evaluating the artwork my personal reaction and the designer’s perspective, Briggs said. But creativity is of the highest significance.