Student designs are featuring in “Let There Be Light,” a new exhibition at the Lux Center for the Arts.

The exhibition includes the work of 18 University of Nebraska–Lincoln who completed studio art foundation and drawing courses led by Sandra Williams, associate professor of art. It is on display at the Lux, 2601 N. 48th St., through Jan. 21.

“The exhibition is about spreading our inner light, knowledge and positivity as artists to the world,” said Jamaica Wilson, a junior art major from Las Vegas. “We just hope to spread happiness to everyone through our passions to create.”

As part of the class, students created a website that has at least two images from their work, along with a bio and curriculum vitae. Participating in the exhibition was optional.

“I’ve always valued real-world experience paired with academic objectives,” Williams said. “Participating in the exhibition of their work is an important part of their academic and professional development as artists. The assignment is geared toward goal setting — knowing at the beginning of your academic career that you have four to five years to build.”

Students also had the option to participate in photographing their work in the lighting studio in Woods Hall in December.

“This gets them in the habit of documenting all of their work at the end of the semester in preparation for entering other student exhibitions or promotional materials for this exhibition,” Williams said.

Anna Binder, a freshman art major from Muron, Mongolia, was encouraged by Williams to participate in the exhibition.

“This is my first exhibition as a student at (Nebraska),” she said. “I hope to gain experience and inspiration from this experience. I want people to know that the artists exhibiting their work have put a lot of time and effort into it, and it’s worth their time to come and see it.”

The exhibition will be featured in a First Friday celebration, 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Lux Center. Admission is free.