Initially appearing simple and harmless, a sterling silver necklace seems to portray a typical pea pod attached to vines; but upon closer inspection, the sharp edges of the vines and teeth contained in the pod reveal its real nature.

This piece, “Genetic Monster #0321198227” by Carrie Rosman, senior in art and design, took home best in show at the opening reception of Studies in Creativity, a juried student art exhibit being held at the Gallery Room of the Memorial Union through Dec. 8.

Rosman beat out 44 other pieces displayed at the exhibit and the 120 total entries submitted by 59 student artists.

The necklace represented the best showing of presentation, craftsmanship and concept, says juror Carol Faber, visual art instructor at North Iowa Area Community College.

“It’s elegant, delicate, made me question the concept, and it had an appeal I enjoyed,” Faber says.

Rosman says “Genetic Monster” represents the dangers she sees in genetically altered agriculture. The predator-like form of the piece represents the genetic contamination of fields where the seeds of the altered crops mix with normal crops.

“I feel we don’t really know what genetically altering food will do to us later,” Rosman says. “It was my first piece that was highly conceptual, and it was about something I cared highly about.”

Another ISU artist received dual awards for her work. Margo Koerperich, junior in art and design, received one of the three merit awards and a purchase award for two of her “Growth” pastel drawings on display in the exhibit.

The drawings use a shadowy tree metaphorically representing Koerperich as she was growing up and the colors in the landscape around it represent the mood she was in while creating the paintings, which was usually after talking to family members, Koerperich says.

“Some branches are more jagged and more angry while the happier times are represented with more curved branches, and all of them are a part of growing up,” Koerperich says.

She says the two awards, one which puts her “Growth II” drawing into the Memorial Union’s permanent collection, surprised her, because it was the first gallery that ever displayed her work.

Koerperich says she only decided to submit her work after being convinced by Katherine Gibbs, associate professor of art and design. “I’m a lot more encouraged to enter more shows, and I probably wouldn’t have entered without being pushed,” Koerperich says.

The two other merit awards were given to “Self Portrait” by Kara Hedge, junior in art and design, and “Complete Control” by Mary Raap, senior in art and design. Honorable mentions were given to “How to be an Artist” by Kristen Schoof, senior in graphic design, and “More” by Stephanie Adamo, sophomore in graphic design and a Daily photographer.

Who: Juried student art exhibition

Where: Gallery Room,Memorial Union

When: Through Dec. 8

Cost: Free