Studio 1219 Award Presentation for “Young at Art: Emerging Artists” Show
Posted August 23, 2010
A reception will be held this Friday, August 27, 2010 from 6pm till 9pm for the juried awards and “People’s Choice” award for Studio 1219’s newest art show: “Young at Art: Emerging Artists.” The reception is free and open to the public. Besides the awards, the evening will feature wine and hors d’ouvres and an opportunity to meet the artists.
The show is Studio 1219’s first annual Emerging Artists Exhibit, sponsored by Eastern Michigan Bank. Studio 1219 invited talented new artists, looking for an opportunity to share their original work with the public, to participate in the show, “Young at Art.” This juried show was open to all aspiring artists working in any media—and cash prizes will be awarded the evening of the reception. Prize categories include a First Prize of $50, A Second Prize of $35, a Third Prize of $25 and a People’s Choice Prize of $40.
Patrons are invited to vote for their favorite emerging artist’s work at the Studio during regular Studio hours. Studio 1219 is committed to the discovery, introduction and promotion of up-and-coming artists. The goal is to encourage new artists and to mentor and educate them about the process of preparing work for display in a gallery. Anyone who has not sold work in a gallery before was eligible for the Emerging Artists’ show.
If the emerging artists exhibit is not enough to tempt, visitors will also be treated to the final days of Professor John Henry’s solo show. John Henry is one of the area’s most versatile artists. He is well known for his ability to create work that appeals to a wide audience. His show will allow Studio visitors to get a glimpse of how his creative process unfolds and moves from one form to another. He has over 200 new pieces of art at the Studio, including clay reliefs, functional and decorative pottery, zany wood sculptures, pop-art objects, as well as the more traditional expressions like impressionistic landscapes and still-lifes in watercolor. “My sculptures are assemblages in wood and clay,” said Mr. Henry. “They go in many different directions, from low reliefs to free-standing forms. Usually I will explore an interest—such as fish—and do a whole series before I move on to another subject to explore. My landscape paintings have, over time, become less about documenting a particular place, and more about expressing a particular emotional reaction to a place.”
Mr. Henry has been an active supporter of community projects and has volunteered thousands of hours to help bring these projects to life, including the Spiral Studio at Studio 1219. He has taught Communication Design at St. Clair County Community College for 30 years, and brings to each endeavor an impressive educational background including two master’s degrees in art, psychology, and design. Visitors to this special show can look forward to discovering something unique and surprising. His work is colorful and creative yet very affordable. Patrons may find a beautiful new painting for a wall or a fun and funky sculpture for a garden.
