Educate, tolerate, accept, respect.

These words graced the program cover for the opening reception of “Social Justice Through the Arts.”

In Gallery 181 in the College of Design, the public learned what these four words meant Tuesday night by browsing 42 pieces of socially charged artwork dealing with topics of sexism, racism, ageism, politics and gender.

Emilie Elmore, senior in art and design and exhibit curator, says the show is an opportunity to get a lot of like-minded people together to evoke feelings of social injustice.

“It was something that I just wanted to do, so I found the means to do so,” Elmore says. “It is an opportunity to bring these issues up in an artistic way. Artwork isn’t as threatening; it is an easy way to ease into challenging topics.”

Viewers walked through the exhibit in an informal setting while snacking on shrimp and punch, all the while stopping to discuss a particular piece.

Exhibit juror and artist Laurie Elizabeth Talbot Hall says art in this setting is a perfect way to communicate difficult issues.

“It allows a person to take in as much as they can stand and allows a person to project on to it what they believe,” Hall says. “The viewer and the content meet halfway.”

Hall says art allows people to see things in new ways that is less confrontational as a live debate, but still “in your face” enough to evoke thought and reflection.

Elmore says it is a fusion of her interests as an artist, as well as a social activist that made the show possible.

“I am a person that can’t create art that is merely decorative,” Elmore says.

Hall, who came from New York to judge the show and choose what pieces would be presented says art can act as a catalyst for change, but to do so, it must be art for life’s sake.

“During the 20th century in particular, many artists were concerned with class issues and poverty and wanted to represent reality in their work,” she says.

This is the type of art displayed in the exhibit, she says. It is art that will motivate people to do something — to take action as to what they are seeing, Hall says.

Maria Lux, senior in graphic design and featured artist, says she is really impressed by the show’s turnout.

“I think it brings up a lot of the injustices of the world, but the show gives a sense of hope and justice because people are using art to address the injustices and are expressing their feelings,” she says.