Participants in THE MERIT SHOW exhibited July 6 - 29, 2000 were decided upon by faculty vote for excellence which took place in the spring of 1999 for senior students. The students selected were: Peter Bonner, Moriah Carlson, Catherine Copeland, Carmella Gravante, Joan Harrison, Paul Holchak, Justin Howe, Deborah Kaplan, Vanessa Lawrence, Fran O'Neill and Kentaro Totsuka. The exhibition is as much a reward and recognition as it is a preparation for the years ahead. While the student gallery is available for shorter shows during the school year, the main gallery's ground floor location and the longer duration of the merit show provide greater viewing access. Likewise, students learn firsthand the basics of the exhibition experience. While the school is perceptually based, the works of these individuals vary widely. The vote suggests that strength of personality is as important as technical achievement.