For those who are more critical, there is plenty to engage the eye and the mind. Many of the pieces are mediations on very relevant and contemporary issues ranging from drug use to environmental concerns.

From jewelry that leaks to utensils that play music to cookware that’s dangerous, there’s cutting edge, local artwork on display now at METALS!08. METALS!08 is a collection of jewelry and metalwork made by some of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s most creative and talented art and metals students. The show’s juror, Graeme Reid of the Museum of Wisconsin Art selected the finest works from 180 submitted pieces.

METALS!08 encompasses works of all levels of undergraduate studies here at UWM and were judged without regard to the identity of the artists. Reid admits in his juror’s statement that he is a “fan of the UWM Metals Department” and selected three works to award Juror’s Choice. “The Man’s Rolling Pin” by Christopher Stoecker is no standard rolling pin. On the end of a black, textured roller are two spiked brass knuckles for handles. Catherine Eller’s “Stone Necklace” radiates grace, elegance, and style. “Wedding Rings” by Lucy Derickson is exemplary of quality craftsmanship and is a lavishly stylized take on the everyday wedding ring.

Some other highlights include “Disengaged Dinning,” a series of four eating utensils with mp3 playing handles. Jesse Graves poses the existential question “What happens to me when I die?” on the left side of a locket only to respond lightheartedly on the other side “I don’t know but that’s ok” in the piece “In Celebration Of”. One of the strangest and most intriguing pieces, the “Nature of Transforming Jewelry Series”, appears to contain dirt and living grass. The striking piece can also be seen on the exhibit’s flyer

The relatively small collection provides a brief glimpse into the fascinating world of art metals and jewelry that exists on the UWM campus. For those who are more critical, there is plenty to engage the eye and the mind. Many of the pieces are mediations on very relevant and contemporary issues ranging from drug use to environmental concerns.

The collection is on display now at The Mary L. Nohl Galleries on the second floor of the Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts (across from the Union) and is free to the public. The collection will be on display until May 7th and the gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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