21 Exonians Receive Scholastic Art Awards
March 27, 2008
Students in painting studio working on Scholastic Art entries
The 2008 Regional Scholastic Art Awards has recognized 21 Exeter students for exemplary work in the visual arts. Exonians received 12 Gold Keys (the highest honor), 11 Silver Keys and two Honorable Mentions for works ranging from painting to ceramics, photography and drawing.
All Gold Key works will be considered in a national juried competition, with winners to be announced in April. Regional Gold, Silver and Honorable Mention works were exhibited at Pinkerton Academy in January.
Vikas, a lower who thought of himself as "inartistic" before coming to Exeter, submitted a mixed media self-portrait, developed from a photograph. His Silver Key encouraged him to continue making art – just the effect the competition sponsors hope for. "The Silver Key has made me more interested in art and in taking another studio art course," he says. "Right now, I am taking photo and it's a lot of fun."
"Fabulous Works" by Students New to the Arts and "Old Hands"
Vivian Komando and Tara Misenheimer, art instructors, worked directly with the Exonians, making sure the submissions were fully documented for the regional jury process. "It's very exciting for me to see the students place in such a prestigious show, competing against some of the best artwork in our region," explains Komando. "I see my students as dedicated to creating and using their personal vision, which makes their work stand out as unique, and as expressing their viewpoint. I think they are fabulous works made by very talented students as they worked hard to master techniques, took pride in their craftsmanship, and took risks as their work developed."
"Pagoda Teapot," a Gold Key winnerAmong this year's crop of winners are several, like Vikas, who had never before considered themselves artists, as well as experienced studio artists. "It's important to offer opportunities to students who take only one art class, as well as those who take a lot," explains Misenheimer.
Alex, a senior and Gold Key winner, came to Exeter with no photography experience. He took a class last fall which "stimulated a serious, ongoing interest in photography as an outlet for creative expression," he explains. His work, entitled "Vintage Fan," was "taken as a response to a class assignment – specifically, to portray everyday or commonplace objects in a novel or unorthodox manner. I selected the subject of the photo – a vintage Century electric fan – because it combined the visual elements of 'high design' and rust/decay." Alex hopes to pursue photography courses in college. He thanks his art teacher, Ms. Misenheimer, for being "incredibly encouraging and supportive. She fostered an environment of creativity and effective collaboration."
Senior Nominated as Candidate for Presidential Scholar in the Arts
"Dog and Pencil"For Noelle, who won a Gold Key for her photograph, "Dog and Pencil," this is the second major art award of the year. In December, she became a finalist in the national youngARTS competition, sponsored by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA). As a result, she traveled to Miami for a week of arts master classes. "My time in Miami with the NFAA was a phenomenal experience and one that will stay with me for a long time," she explains. "It was so inspiring to be surrounded by such talented people....people who think so critically and intellectually about their artwork. I learned much from the master classes and was exposed to so many new ideas. It was an experience that redefined photography in my mind."
NFAA nominated Noelle as a candidate for Presidential Scholar in the Arts. In June, she will find out if she has been selected as a finalist. "Ms. Misenheimer has greatly influenced my art-making with her constant energy and encouragement," explains Noelle, who plans to continue studying photography in college. "She has always made herself available to me for artistic advice and when I felt frustrated."
Over the past few years, Exonians have done well in the Scholastic Art Awards. Last year, PEA garnered over two dozen regional awards with one senior winning a national award. The works of national award winners (numbering over 1,000 last year) are shown in New York galleries, and the students are honored at New York's Carnegie Hall.
"The energy of the students towards the Scholastic Art Awards competition, and other competitions, rises every year," explains Misenheimer. "Operating in a professional arena – having their work shown in galleries – gives the students a wonderful sense of legitimization. It builds camaraderie and is exciting."
Alex sums up the very positive effects of the competition on all who were involved: "In view of the superb quality of work submitted by my Exeter peers, I am very honored to be a Gold Key recipient."
Interested in learning more?
Read about Exeter's art department…
Learn more about the 2008 Scholastic Art Awards…
Learn more about the youngARTS program…
