Since 1996, the Illinois Wesleyan University Library has annually purchased a piece of artwork selected from among works exhibited by senior, Bachelor of Fine Arts students in the School of Art. The Student Art Purchase Award is presented during the opening reception of B.F.A. show held each April. The winning work is displayed on the entry level of Ames Library for one academic year, after which it is relocated to the Ames Library second floor where the entire collection of student artwork is permanently displayed.