Every other year, five students are selected to serve on the Union Contemporary Art Purchasing Program Committee. The students take a class in contemporary art, learning contemporary art styles, price and value, how to work with galleries and how to build an art collection. During the spring semester, they research potential pieces and travel to Washington, D.C., Baltimore and New York City to purchase art for the Union’s permanent collection. Students present their recommendations to a panel of curators, collectors and artists for final selection of the works. The selected pieces become the property of the University and are showcased around the Adele H. Stamp Student Union, opening the eyes of students and community members to the varied perspectives and cultures of contemporary artists. For more information please visit www.studentaffairsgiving.umd.edu or call 301.314.4900.