The works of aspiring artists at North Idaho College are out for all to enjoy during the Art Outside the Bubble exhibition, on display through Dec. 10.

Those who enter the Edminster Student Union Building need only turn to the left to take in an array of about 45 paintings, photography, ceramics, sculptures, steam punk creations and more. The show is a project of the NIC Aspiring Artists Club, a group that started in 2015 to promote the visual arts while providing opportunities for student artists.

"It is exciting for the artists," club president Robert Perry said Tuesday. "When you're a student, you’re young, you have a passion for art, but you don’t know how to break into it."

Art Outside the Bubble is a juried show, so the works of student artists have been reviewed by professionals from different art galleries in the area.

"Turbulent Waters," a porcelain piece by Susan Fairfax, received the Best in Show award and will eventually be exhibited in The Art Spirit Gallery, 415 E. Sherman Ave.

Second place was taken by Aaron Eastman for his oil on canvas titled "Transitions." This work will be displayed at Studio Selfie 4, 504 E. Lakeside Ave., in Coeur d'Alene following the show.

Perry explained that the show title is meant as a figurative expression, "akin to thinking outside the box."

"A lot of times, opportunities like this, confidence-builders, generate enthusiasm, and nothing generates enthusiasm more than some semblance of success," he said.

Perry said it’s a privilege to provide an avenue for student artists to do their best.

"If they're chosen or they win and they have their work displayed in a prestigious gallery like that, it's just one milestone along the path an artist is going to relish," he said. "It's going to have an effect on them and help them get more involved."

Safety is emphasized during the show and everywhere on campus. All precautions for COVID were considered and taken in the preparation and presentation of this exhibit. Social distancing and masks are required and mandatory. Masks, hand sanitizer and gloves are provided and prominently displayed for use throughout the campus, including the space displaying the student artwork. Signs expressly stating that masks are required are posted everywhere on campus.

In the exhibit, space is small and capacity is limited to 10 people at any one time within the area.

Student works are available for purchase. The show is closed during the holiday weekend but will reopen Dec. 1. It is open to the public.

The SUB is at 495 N. College Drive on the NIC campus in Coeur d'Alene.