Senior Student Art Expo winners named

DALTON — The Creative Arts Guild’s 2010 Student Art Expo concludes with the annual senior show now on display in the Guild’s main gallery. The 47th annual student show includes work created by the top senior artists in Dalton Public Schools, Murray County and Whitfield County schools and allows student artists to compete for the Bernice Spigel Prize in the Visual Arts.

“This year’s work demonstrates an exceptional commitment to artistic exploration,” said Terry Tomasello, executive director of the Guild.

“This is one of the largest senior shows we’ve hosted. The work fills the gallery and even extends down the hall toward our lobby area. We’re delighted to display the work of these student artists.”

Judge for this year’s senior show was Robert Webb, local art patron, collector, Guild Trustee and co-founder of the Spigel Prize.

“The senior show is always eclectic, and this year it was nice to see many pieces that were born from independent study,” Webb said.

“It was intriguing to find that trends in major art centers are being mirrored in local student work. The ongoing return to portraiture, the figure and still life is evident in the work on display. This year’s show is very colorful and contains several first-rate works. I’m sure many visitors to the gallery will find a particular favorite.”

Susana Conteras of Murray County High School was awarded first place in the show for “Can We Go Outside?”. Webb referred to the drawing of a child as moving past technique and capturing personality in a sophisticated and understated manner. Conteras also received honorable mentions for “The Amazing Andres,” “Time for the Hunt” and “What?!” Conteras is a student of Angie Johnson.

Elizabeth Mosely of Dalton High School received second place in the show for “Jackie,” which Webb praised for its strong gestural lines and the boldness of its composition. Mosely also received honorable mentions for “True Love,” “Christiana Willocks” and “Figure 6.” Mosely is a student of Catherine Kinsey.

Lindsey George of Dalton High School received third place in the show for “Darin Vaughn.” Webb called the still life “an intricately composed and technically demanding work.” George also received honorable mentions for “Morning Bird” and “Dogwoods.” George is a student of Catherine Kinsey.

Other honorable mention recipients were Kara Crews (Dalton) for “Living Life is Easy” and “Change;” Alia Dubenvich (Murray) for “Vroom Vroom” and “Lock Up;” Joshua Foster (Southeast) for “Cherry Guy;” Haley Godfrey (Murray) for “Let It Rain;” Paige Hicks (Northwest) for “The Special;” Katy Nixon (Murray) for “Lucky Rabbit’s Foot;” Cathy Saovedra (Southeast) for “Untitled;” Zack Stafford (Northwest) for “Untitled;” Ransom Worley (Southeast) for “Almost;” and Kristin Young (Murray) for “Reagle” and “Show Off.”

“We offered a record number of honorable mentions this year,” Tomasello said. “That speaks to the quality and quantity of work that was included in this year’s show. The art instructors in our area schools should be very proud.”

Webb selected Conteras, Mosely and George as the three recipients of the 2010 Spigel Prize in the Visual Arts. Each student will receive $500 at their senior honors day.

“The work of these three students really stands out from the rest of the show,” Webb said. “There were clearly a number of pieces that merited recognition in the exhibit, but these three demonstrated strengths in multiple media, showcased strong technique and also revealed very mature and individual styles. Whether reinvigorating a classical medical illustration in a glittery Pop Art manner, coolly capturing personalities in striking portraits or using highly refined technique to deliver both simple and complex compositions in a compelling manner, these students are producing a caliber of work that commands respect and appreciation.”

A reception will be Tuesday beginning at 5:30 p.m. where award winners will be announced. Light refreshments will be served.

The Spigel Prize in the Visual Arts was established in honor of Bernice Spigel, the long-time executive director of the Creative Arts Guild who helped to found the organization in 1960. She was a past recipient of the Georgia Governor’s Award in the Arts and served for nine years on the Georgia Council for the Arts.

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