Some of the most gifted young artists in Sumner County are showcasing their works at the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) in Hendersonville, Tenn. The 46th Annual James B. Hawkins Sumner County Student Art Show is underway and takes place through April 24, featuring more than 100 works in a variety of media.
“We are thrilled to showcase the works of these talented young artists,” says MACC Executive Director and CEO Cheryl Strichik. “Arts education is a cornerstone of the MACC’s mission, so presenting the Student Art Show is one of the most important things we do all year.”
The James B. Hawkins Sumner County Student Art Show is open to all Sumner County middle and high school art students, and each year approximately 75 students display their best pieces at the MACC. Independent art experts are brought in to evaluate the students’ art, and prizes are awarded. This year’s distinguished panel of judges include Lois Riggins-Ezzell, director emeritus of the Tennessee State Museum; Leigh Hendry, curator for Park West Gallery; Chuck Creasy, a renowned Tennessee watercolorist; and Jairo Prado, an acclaimed Nashville-based artist.
Student Art Show prizes include top awards for “Winning Art Department,” “Best in Show” and “Director’s Pick,” along with First, Second, and Third Place ribbons and cash prizes for painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, digital art, and mixed media. This year, students will also be eligible to submit works in two new media categories: animation and printmaking. Participating middle school and high school art teachers will also receive recognition and cash prizes.
Sponsors for this Student Art Show include Hallmark Hyundai, the National Association of Small Trucking Companies, and Nossi College of Art. Nossi has been a major sponsor and partner for the Student Art Show for the past several years. Cyrus Vatandoost, executive vice president of Nossi College of Art, commended this year’s student artists for their accomplishments.
“The creativity and imagination of these young students are truly remarkable,” Vatandoost says. “As the only private art college in Tennessee for aspiring creative professionals, we’re proud to contribute to the educational pursuits of these students by donating scholarships for the fourth year in a row.”
Nossi will award a $4,400 scholarship to the student who wins this year’s “Best in Show” prize. The student who wins the “Director’s Pick” award along with all First-Place winners will receive scholarships of $2,200.
Admission is free and this exhibition is open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center is located at 1017 Antebellum Circle, Hendersonville, TN 37075
Museum hours are:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday through Saturday: 10AM to 5PM
Sunday: 1PM to 5PM
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