Federation University’s annual end of year exhibition is showcasing the best art and design work from final year visual art and design students as well as selected work from first and second-years.

Many of the pieces are for sale, giving arty types a chance to snavel up a masterpiece from Ballarat’s new and emerging talent.

“You get them before they’re famous,” coordinator Claire Blake said.

“We’ve got quite a diverse range of artworks this year from more traditional styles like painting and drawing to installations, ceramics and digital works.

“There’s just so much variation, they’re all doing quite different things.”

Ms Blake said highlights included a Mexican Day of the Dead installation from Stuart Walsh, entitled Death Cult.

“He’s got quite a large installation with a number of artworks using stencils that he’s created, and he’s constructed a type of shrine from wood and found objects, using a whole lot of different media,” she said.

“It is quite colourful, quite macabre, there are so many diff elements that capture your attention because there’s a lot going on, but it’s also quite striking.”

She said the end of year exhibition – also known as EYE – was a chance for students to celebrate their accomplishments over three years of study.

“This is their chance to show off what they’re doing to their friends and family. It’s a chance to celebrate their success and see what they’ve been working hard at for the past couple of years.”

This year marks the 15^th anniversary of Federation University’s Arts Academy being located in the centre of Ballarat, and also marks the 15^th incarnation of EYE.

“Many of the works are for sale to the public and it is a fantastic and rare opportunity to purchase student artworks at reasonable prices. The exhibition also provides encouragement and support to our local talent,” Ms Blake said.

“This event is a calendar highlight within the Arts Academy and we invite the local community to support and celebrate our student’s success with us.”

EYE is located at the Ballarat Mining Exchange and is open daily from 10am to 3pm until Sunday, November 20. All welcome.