Emerging artists from the School of Design’s Master of Fine Arts Class of 2011 have one more chance to showcase their work at the MFA Thesis Exhibition, opening today at the Ice Box Project Space in the Crane Arts Building, 1400 N. American St. in Northern Liberties.

The featured works include paintings, photographs, sculptures and conceptual pieces created by the 22 graduating students. 

“This exhibition represents the beginning stages of new work rather than the summation of work from the program,” says Joshua Mosley, acting chair of Fine Arts. “These students have taken unusual risks in the last couple of months in exploring new subjects, with new approaches.”

The MFA program has exposed students to international traveling studios, sponsored residencies and visiting faculty. A group of students recently returned from the University’s studio abroad, the Howard Silverstein and Patricia Bleznak Silverstein Photography Program in Mumbai, India. Their experiences in India influenced some of the exhibit’s pieces.

Installing a public art exhibit has an educational component, too. “During the planning and installation process, the students will anticipate how their work will be experienced by an audience who is unfamiliar to their research,” Mosley says.

The exhibition runs through May 29 and is free and open to the public. Opening Night gallery hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.   

For more information, visit www.pennexhibitions.com.