Nine Paducah School of Art students received recognition for their artwork at the 2013 Student Exhibition held at WKCTC on Thursday, April 11. The artwork included 2-D and 3-D design, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and for the first time, jewelry and metals.
Paducah School of Art is particularly pleased to include award recognition for students working in our new jewelry and metals program said Paul Aho, PSA dean. “Despite the distinct learning curve in this discipline, both I and the exhibition judge are impressed by the quality of works on display.”
During the opening reception in the WKCTC Clemens Fine Arts Center Gallery, over $800 in merit and purchase awards were presented to the winners, including Benton resident Andy Eller who won the highly coveted WKCTC President’s Choice Award.
“I am so overwhelmed,” said Eller, who will graduate in May with an Associate in Fine Arts degree. “I put so many of the art elements I’ve learned at PSA into this photograph – elements like contour, color, contrast, lines, patterns, and light. “I am so proud of it.” Eller received $300 for his winning piece.
Eller’s “LCVA 7998” photograph, which also won Best in Show in the digital photography category, will join the permanent President’s Choice collection for the WKCTC campus. “This award continues to represent Dr. Veazey’s (WKCTC president) commitment to PSA and its students,” said Aho. Eller also claimed a $50 prize for his piece, “Untitled,” which won Best in Show in the 3-D design category.
Seven students also received awards for Best in Show and a $50 prize in the following categories: Grand Rivers resident Karen Dodson won for “Nude Study” (painting). Paducah residents Don'Tavien Johnson, “Where's the Peace and Quiet” (2-D design); Carolyn Mackay, “Weathered Bronze Jar” (ceramics); Shanden Simmons, “Make Yourself” (drawing); Evita Lynne, “Self-Portrait; Spirit” (sculpture) and “The Center of the Universe” (jewelry/metals).
The following students won a Merit Award and a $50 prize for the following categories:
- Paducah residents Juanita Gilliam, “The Emperor and His Pet” (ceramics)
- Gayle Frye, “After the Chase” (sculpture)
- Elliot Schiff, “Kites” (digital photography).
The judge for this year's exhibition was Carrie Gibbs, director of the Shrode Art Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon, IL.
PSA student artwork can be seen in the Clemens Gallery until May 6. Gallery hours are:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For more information about Paducah School of Art, contact Paul Aho at 270-408-4281 or paul.aho@kctcs.edu. Paducah School of Art is a division of West Kentucky Community and Technical College and is located at 409 Broadway Street and at Madison Hall at 919 Madison Street.