Winners have been announced for Charlotte’s 19th Annual National Arts Program. The program recognizes the creative talents of City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library employees, retirees and their family members. Entries were judged by three local art professionals. All winners’ artwork will be on display in the Government Center lobby through Friday, March 15 and can be viewed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
“The volume and content of this year’s entries are diverse and rich in statement, delivered from artists as young as elementary school students to full professional artists,” said Lee Baumgarten, a professional sculptor and one of the judges. “It was a great honor to be included as one of the judges. This exhibit is a vital resource to the public and is most appreciated.”
“The National Arts Program provides an opportunity for the employees of our vibrant community and their families to share their unique experiences and voices through art,” said Ting Li, Creative and Technical Director at Pixelatoms and a judge for this year’s exhibit. “The exhibit reminds us that art can be created everywhere, every day, by everyone around us. This year’s entries varied, with great energy, in both medium and context, compelling us to explore our community’s identity and ourselves within it.”
This year’s exhibit features more than 200 works of art in all mediums, from photography, craft and sculpture to painting and mixed media. View the winning pieces at http://charlottenc.gov/nap.
COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS
Best of Show
“Mother” (painting) by Sheryl Brodie (adult professional)
Art Teacher, Highland Renaissance Academy
Art Education Award
“Winter Self Portrait” (works on paper) by Katana King (Teen)
Family member
People’s Choice
“Skeleton Swag” (mixed media) by Ashleigh Kemp
Office Assistant, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Adult Amateur
First Place – “Bright New World” (painting) by John Huneycutt
Construction Inspector, Engineering & Property Management
Second Place – “Dog Tired” (photography) by Karee Smith
Administrative Officer, City of Charlotte Finance
Third Place – “Rain on Me” (painting) by Ramon Jacobs
Family member
Honorable Mention – “Just in Time for the Ball” (craft) by Nicole Eaton
Communications Specialist, Charlotte Communications & Marketing
Honorable Mention – “My Friend Elle” (craft) by Pamela Blount
Administrative Support Assistant, Mecklenburg County Health Department
Adult Intermediate
First Place – “Skeleton Swag” (mixed media) by Ashleigh Kemp
Office Assistant, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Second Place – “Gratitude” (sculpture) by Gail Whitcomb
Assistant to the Director, Housing & Neighborhood Services
Third Place – “Shadows of the Forgotten” (photography) by Andrew Olls
GIS Technician, Engineering & Property Management
Honorable Mention – “Still Forest” (craft) by Kate Goodman
Senior Engineer, Engineering & Property Management
Honorable Mention – “Mental Maps: Are We There Yet?” (craft) by Beverly Lawing
Retired GIS Technician, Mecklenburg County GIS
Honorable Mention – “Sprouting Icicles” (painting) by Sara Familian
Travel Demand Modeler, Charlotte Department of Transportation
Honorable Mention – “Feathered Dream” (photography) by Yaviri Escalera
Media Relations Specialist, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Honorable Mention – “Self Portrait” (works on paper) by Aubree Hill
Family member
Adult Professional
First Place – “Shadows and Light” (photography) by Dennis Knasel
Retired Director, Behavioral Health, Mecklenburg County
Second Place – “Good Morning (works on paper) by Brooke Russell
Art Teacher, Mallard Creek High School
Third Place – “Conscious Flow” (craft) by Laura Wallis
Art Teacher, Ardrey Kell High School
Honorable Mention – “Almost” (painting) by Mary Tew
Elementary Art Teacher, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
Honorable Mention – “Koinobori 2” (painting) by Chris Sugar
Family member
Youth (12 and under)
First Place – “Wishing for PEACE” (mixed media) by Avamarie Miller
Second Place – “Metallic” (craft) by Luke Wallis
Third Place – “Cities Sunset” (works on paper) by Angelyna Sorn
Honorable Mention – “Flowers in the Window” (mixed media) by Annabelle Fath
Honorable Mention – “Relaxed” (photography) by Nellie Hampton
Teen
First Place – “Musician” (painting) by Rebekah Gill
Second Place – “Peculiar Reflection” (works on paper) by Zoey Bell
Third Place – “Blossom” (mixed media) by Rosaphy Sorn
Honorable Mention – “Girl’s Reflection” (works on paper) by Rebekah Gill
Honorable Mention – “This is Me” (works on paper) by Jaden Graham
Honorable Mention – “The Cowboy” (painting) by Pauline Mae Allera
About the National Arts Program
The National Arts Program fosters creativity by providing artists of all ages, backgrounds and levels of talent an opportunity to exhibit their works publicly. The National Arts Program Foundation, Inc. sponsors the program in support and cooperation with the Arts & Science Council, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Similar programs sponsored by the National Arts Program Foundation take place in more than 90 venues in 30+ states each year. Local professional artists and art professionals judge the exhibit. Cash awards are given to participants for original, creative contributions in the field of fine arts and crafts. Learn more and view this year’s winners at https://CharlotteNC.gov/NAP.
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