By Pete Smith
Students from Carmel High School had a strong showing in the inaugural Herron School of Art and Design Indiana High School Art Invitational.
And although a student from Lafayette Jefferson High School took first place, the top three spots were rounded out by Greyhounds.
CHS senior William Chen took home second place for his creative illustration/mosaic “Rub a’ Dub Dub.”
Chen, who plans to pursue a degree in recording technology at the IU Jacobs School of Music in the fall, has been pretty laid back about the award.
“To me it almost felt like a family thing,” Chen said, noting that his family is full of visual artists. “It was good to feel included in that tradition. They were pretty happy about it.”
Chen earned a $1,000 scholarship to go along with his award.
CHS freshman JiEun Kelley Yu received third place for a vibrant painting called “Nonexistent Colors.”
“For me, placing in this competition means more experience and learning, more chances and opportunity for the future,” she said. “When I found out about it, I felt very proud of myself and got even deeply inspired and encouraged.”
Yu earned a $500 scholarship as part of the award.
Two other CHS students received honorable mention awards in the competition. Katie Matthews was recognized for the work “A Game of Pool,” and Drew Moreland got an award for the work “Some Kind of Nature.”
All the Carmel students are in CHS teacher Jonathan Kane’s class.
All the students also earned a scholarship to Honors Art and Design, taught at Herron over the summer. And Kane will receive a $200 scholarship toward continuing education at Herron.
“This invitational is one way to thank teachers and support students who want to follow their passion for art,” said Herron Dean Valerie Eickmeier. “The three judges, all Herron faculty members, were impressed by the overall quality of the work submitted. I am sure this annual exhibition will grow over time and help many students achieve their college goals.”
The works will be on exhibit through April 17 in the Marsh Gallery of Eskenazi Hall at IUPUI, 735 W. New York St. in Indianapolis.
