West Liberty University provided scholarship and award money to support the 25th Annual Regional Student Art Exhibition, now on display at Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center, Wheeling.
The Best of Show Award, sponsored by WLU First Lady Saun Capehart, was presented to Anna Frazier, Union Local High School, for her work entitled, “Deep in Thought.”
“We are pleased to support the artistic community and youth through these awards. We encourage the community to visit the Stifel and enjoy this year’s exhibition,” said Mrs. Capehart, who also serves on the Oglebay Institute Board of Directors.
Featuring 125 works created by 62 students, representing Wheeling Park, Wheeling Central, Union Local, Cameron and Avella high schools, the multi-media exhibition is on display through Feb. 14.
Tiana Knowlton of Cameron was offered a 1,000 scholarship to West Liberty University. Knowlton also was offered a scholarship to West Virginia University, along with Ciara Bom and Anna Jo Nardo, Union Local and Mitch Olsen, Avella.
The top three students in four categories (drawing, painting, photography and 3-D) were recognized for their achievements with ribbons and cash prizes during the awards ceremony at the opening reception. Four students received honorable mentions.
First place in drawing went to Mikayla Twarog, Union Local, for “In the Family Box.” First place in painting went to Katie Stoller, Union Local, for “Me.” Rena Reid, Cameron, won first place in photography for “Honey Bee Heaven.” First place in 3-D/multi-media went to Knowlton for “Nessy.
Other winners are: Drawing, second place, Anna Frazier, Union Local; third place, Ciara Bom, Union Local. Painting: second place, Shana Glasgow, Union Local; third place, Katlyn Beabout, Wheeling Central. Photography: second place, Jensen James, Cameron; third place went to Devin Champagne of Avella. In the 3-D/multi-media category Morgan Dubich, Avella, received second and third place.
Honorable mentions include: Elizabeth Adase, Wheeling Park; Ellie Knox, Union Local; Aubrey Snider, Union Local and Hannah Tucker, Union Local.
“This exhibit showcases the artistic achievements of students in our communities and reflects the fine quality of art instruction and talent which exists in our region,” said Oglebay Institute Director of Exhibitions Brad Johnson.
Johnson said the purpose of the annual exhibition is to “provide aspiring young artists with opportunities to advance their talent whether it is through scholarships or simply experiencing the process of entering their work in a competition and having their work displayed in a professional art museum environment.”
Paden City artist Jacob Bucy juried this year’s show. Bucy has exhibited throughout West Virginia, including the Art Emporium in Charleston and Beckley’s Tamarack.
Open to all students in grades 9-12 attending a high school located within a 50-mile radius of Wheeling, the exhibition is sponsored by United Bank of West Virginia and can be viewed free of charge in the Hart Galleries of the Stifel Fine Arts Center, 1330 National Road. Part of the Helen B. Gaither Exhibition Season, this program also was made possible through the generous support of the members of the Institute as well as with financial assistance from the West Virginia Commission of the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information, please call 304-242-7700 or visit on the web at www.oionline.com.
For complete information on WLU’s College of Art and Communication, please click here.