The $100 best in show prize from the Kappa Pi exhibition was awarded to Scott Hebert, art senior from Chalmette, for his sculpture “Wondering.” He also won a $50 third place prize for his drawing “Tina and Noah.”
Debra Cibelli, professor of fine arts, said the exhibition averages about 35 entries, and this year the exhibition had 94 entries. Cibelli said she found it impressive that 30 of the entries were by males considering the theme of “women.”
Hebert said at the beginning of the semester he had to do a project for his advanced sculpture and drawing class and decided to model his projects after his pregnant wife. He said he thought this year’s theme “women” had more meaning and worked out just right.
“The exhibition had a really good turnout, and I was surprised to have won third place for my drawing. I was really surprised when I found out that I won best in show for my sculpture,” Hebert said.
Mary Ellen Landry won a $75 second place prize for her fabric and mixed media artwork “Hot Head,” Michael Musso received an honorable mention pin, pencil set and drawing pad for his drawing “Dryad” and Melissa Moterlaro received an honorable mention pin and nine piece pen set for “Biff.”
Awards for categories were as follows: Jason Ledet received a gift certificate to Artwork Gallery, Inc. for his drawing “4th Hour Misty.” Lisa Samuels received a painting easel for her painting “Feminine Flowers.” Tisha Rachal received a gift certificate to Artwork Gallery, Inc. for her graphic design. Kendra Miller received a pencil set and photography supplies in photography for “Manufactured by Society”(self-portrait). Eddie Richard received an 11×14 hardboard sketchbook donated by Jeff Brown, art instructor, for his ceramic piece. “Girl in a Goblet,” Claire Fenton, received $15 from Absolutely Art, Inc. for her untitled 3-D multimedia piece. Andrea Dupree received $15 from Absolute Art Inc. for her sculpture “Contemplative Humanoid Woman.” Andrea Dupree was also awarded a print donated by Ross Jahnke, associate professor of arts and an 11×14 drawing pad for her printmaking “Slim and Trim.”
Jason Naquin received $20 for winning The Critics Choice Award that was awarded by Jack Goolsby, judge of the exhibition.
The Kappa Pi Spirit Award, went to Brandon Bailey for creating the advertising poster and website. Bailey was awarded a graphic design book as well.
Alicia Vinning received a pin and community coffee mug for the most inspired caffeine inspired piece “Junkin.” Because the theme for the exhibition was “women,” a gift certificate from Wacky Bear and a tote bag prize was awarded to Brandon Zeringue for “Punching Bag” as the Feminine Mystic Award.
“The response to the exhibition surpassed my expectations in terms of enthusiasm from the student,” Cibelli said. “The students interpreted the theme from many different perspectives such as motherhood and women’s roles in society.”
Cibelli said there were not as many figure drawings entered into the exhibition as she anticipated, but there were many printmaking and photography entries.
She said Goolsby was chosen to judge the exhibition by the students because he is an alumnus of Nicholls and the Kappa Pi members felt he would be an objective judge. Cibelli said he emphasized craftsmanship when evaluating the artwork. Goolsby told Cibelli that he evaluated the pieces on presentation, execution and concepts.
Cibelli said most of the students who participated in the exhibition invited their family to view their artwork. She said on the opening day of the exhibition the two hallways leading into the gallery were “jam packed” and this exhibition is one of the best attended in a long time.
“Having the Louisiana Center for Women and Government co-sponsor this exhibition brought in more people and helped students be more professional in their art work,” Cibelli said.
“Art is important because it is self expression and always has a lot to say about current events and life in general,” Hebert said. “The exhibition is good experience for art students and prepares them for art shows they will participate in after they graduate.