2006 Juried Scholarship Exhibit Awards

Parents, teachers, and art patrons were in awe when viewing the scholarship entries at the Jordan River Art Center, Sunday, May 14. Emily Pierdinock-Hagen, East Jordan High School walked away not only with the Betty Ann Osborne award of $1500., but also the Pearl of Hand Award from Betty Beebe of $1000. Her exhibit of costumes with matching masks, and three dimensional photographs were most impressive. Emily, daughter of Joyce Wardwell and John Hagen, has been accepted by The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, majoring in fashion design. She is planning a career in the fashion industry as a film costume designer. Her teacher is Patricia Tinney.

The JRAC Huckle Award of $750 went to Andrea Postma, East Jordan High School. She is the daughter of Mark and Penny Postma a student of Patricia Tinney. Andrea attended Pratt Institute of Art, New York last summer on a scholarship and will be attending this art school, fall 2006.

Honorable Mention prizes of $100. each went to Erika Braukis and Bridget Hecker, Boyne City High School, Nancy Belford, teacher, Susan Macadams, parent; and Trease Hecker , parents, respectively;. Tony Kiernan, Ellsworth High School, Deb Hughes, teacher, Jon and Shannon Kiernan, parents; and Johnny Renkiewicz, East Jordan High School, Patricia Tinney, teacher, Charles and Kelly Renkiewicz parents.

Juror for the Osborne and Honorable Mentions was Nancy Crisp, artist /teacher from Traverse City. She stated, “It has been such an honor to view the work of the students who entered this year’s scholarship Exhibit. The work is dynamic, varied and shows depth of thought as well as a disciplined use of materials. It is most encouraging to see work both mature and adventuresome. Congratulations to all of you. You give us great hope for the future of the Visual Arts.”

The Pearl in Hand Award was selected by Betty Beebe and after seeing the high quality of the art work she, too awarded monies to Postma, Renkiewicz, and Joel Keehn.

The exhibit runs through May 28 and is open daily from 1-4 pm. Aspiring art students are especially encouraged to see this exhibit. For further information contact Sara Vrondran, chairperson, 536-0918.