University College of the Fraser Valley fine arts student Jeff Boyes has been chosen to exhibit in the prestigious Pacific Rim International Print Exhibition at the University of Hawaii this year.

"Jeff is the first UCFV student to receive this honour," says Davida Kidd, a visual arts instructor at UCFV. "This is a very hard show to get into. I'm really proud of him."

Kidd was invited to exhibit in last year's show.

Artists are selected for the exhibit from a review of slides of their printmaking work. The catalogue that documents each exhibition reproduces every work in the exhibition and is circulated throughout the world.

"It's great exposure," says Kidd. "There are awards presented and there's always the possibility of a purchase. The piece would then remain as a permanent piece at the University of Hawaii."

Boyes, who says he's always been artistically inclined, is ecstatic about the exhibit.

"I tried not to get my hopes up because I knew it was really hard to get into this show but deep down inside I couldn't help hoping," says Boyes. "I checked the mail every day. When the letter finally came, I couldn't believe it."

The piece chosen for the exhibition is entitled "The Jalapeno Strikes Back" and is only the second lino cut Boyes has ever done.

"I look at it now and I see the flaws and think about how I'd do it differently. I'm a perfectionist. It's hard for me to ever be completely satisfied with a piece of work.

"I owe a lot to Davida. She's really encouraged me through my work. And she pushes me to do more and better."

Boyes hopes to become an art teacher one day, with a sideline business doing illustrations and graphic design.

"I think Jeff will do very well in the art world," says Kidd. "He has the talent, a strong, distinctive style, and the personal discipline to go far."