Nineteen students from area schools, including American University, George Washington University, Corcoran College of Art and Design, and University of Maryland, were selected to show their work in Conner’s annual MFA/ BFA show “Academy 2011”—but the 11 Maryland Institute College of Art students may win the most attention. In Ginny Huo’s “Mother’s Table,” pictured, a taxidermied dog perches under a dining table, with tennis balls affixed to the feet of the table, chairs, and dog to protect the Pergo floor. Less tongue-in-cheek is Dan Gioia’s “Sphere,” a globe of sod, which puts a new spin on earth art, literally (you can spin it!). More contemplative pieces include American University student Emily Biondo’s “Shrouded,” a prayer shawl woven from speaker wire accompanied by an audio piece of religious services digitally pieced together. From the Corcoran, Sierra Suris’ photos of “Missed Connections” are also intriguing. Part art-object, part process documentation, the photos capture authors of the wistful Craigslist ads and pose them at the place they missed their connections. Suris’ images somberly capture the physical disconnect and vulnerability in our virtually networked world.

The exhibition is on view 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays to Aug. 20 at Conner Contemporary Art, 1358 Florida Ave. NE. Free.