Indianapolis, Indiana – On February 21, Ivy Tech Community College’s Indianapolis campus held its 11th Annual Student Show Awards Ceremony, recognizing and celebrating the impressive artistic talents of its fine arts students. This year’s event was held virtually, an innovative move as the college continues to explore new ways to engage the community while navigating the challenges of the pandemic. The ceremony showcased a remarkable array of student artwork across multiple disciplines, reinforcing Ivy Tech’s dedication to fostering creativity and artistic growth.
Despite being conducted online via Zoom, the virtual ceremony didn’t diminish the sense of celebration and pride. Faculty, staff, and students gathered together, albeit from a distance, to honor the hard work and creative achievements of the students. The event highlighted the diverse talents of the artists, with works spanning a range of mediums, including painting, digital art, mixed media, and 3D art. Each award not only recognized exceptional creativity but also came with generous prizes like art supplies, gift certificates, and even a four-week ceramics class, all donated by local sponsors such as Griffy’s Art Supply, United Arts and Education, and Bloomington Fine Art Supply.
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Alex Moore, a guest juror for the event, shared his admiration for the students’ courage in submitting their works. “Being a part of this and getting a glimpse at the stage in each of your art journeys has been truly inspiring,” Moore remarked. “It takes courage to put your artwork out there, especially when there are acceptance and rejections on the line.” His message resonated with many in attendance, echoing the belief that the process of creating and sharing artwork is an important step in personal and artistic growth.
The ceremony wasn’t just about the winners but also celebrated everyone who participated. Faculty members stressed the significance of showing art to the world and acknowledged the dedication required to refine one’s craft. Liz Wierzbicki, the program chair of fine arts at Ivy Tech Indy, emphasized that students’ work deserves to be shared, seen, and recognized. “We are here to help you do just that,” she said, reinforcing the college’s commitment to nurturing its students’ artistic endeavors.
As for the awards, the students certainly didn’t disappoint. Among the top honorees was Adreanna Spellman, whose piece Can You Braid My Hair? earned the coveted Best in Show title. She was awarded a $250 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials for her stunning artwork. Spellman also walked away with the Best 3D Award for Desire and Decay, further solidifying her place as one of the standout artists of the event.
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Another recipient, Antonio Ford, took home multiple accolades, including the Faculty Award for his artwork Clown Study. He was awarded a $150 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials for his impressive submission. Ford also claimed the Best Digital Work Award, with his Clown Study earning recognition from United Arts and Education and Bloomington Fine Art Supply. His dual victories demonstrated the high caliber of his talent and his versatility across different art forms.
Other winners included Keyla Marroquin-Hernandez, who earned the Best Painting Award for her piece A Night Downtown, receiving a $100 gift certificate for Golden Artist Paints. Laura Holmes captivated the virtual audience with her mixed-media video piece Creating Reality from Outside In, which won the Best Mixed Media Award. Nevaeh Parks was also acknowledged for her powerful drawing Hysteria, receiving the Best Drawing Award.
For those interested in further exploring the works from the event, Ivy Tech’s website features a virtual exhibition showcasing all the students’ creations. The online gallery provides a platform for the community to view and appreciate the talent of these emerging artists, even from the comfort of their own homes.
The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude to the sponsors, faculty, and students who made the event possible. These acknowledgments highlighted the importance of collaboration within the Ivy Tech community and reinforced the college’s ongoing support for its arts programs. As the ceremony wrapped up, it was clear that Ivy Tech’s Fine Arts Department had once again succeeded in creating a space for creativity, recognition, and community engagement.
Looking ahead, Ivy Tech continues to explore ways to repurpose its physical gallery spaces while ensuring that its virtual exhibitions remain a staple in the College’s arts offerings. The 11th Annual Student Show Awards Ceremony serves as a testament to Ivy Tech’s dedication to nurturing creativity, building a vibrant arts community, and providing students with opportunities to showcase their work and develop as artists.
As Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution, Ivy Tech Community College is not just shaping future workforce leaders but also fostering the next generation of creative minds. The Fine Arts Department’s ongoing efforts to promote student work, whether through virtual or in-person exhibitions, are a key part of the College’s mission to support artistic innovation and provide students with the tools to succeed in their chosen fields. Through its commitment to excellence in education, Ivy Tech remains a driving force in both professional development and the cultural landscape of the state.
