By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
Diane, Jim Wilkin, and Duffy Dillinger from the Fluvanna Art Association judged the annual student art show at Fluvanna High School on May 1. They had to pick winners from 34 categories.
“The kids did a great job,” said art teacher Michael Morris. Students are challenged to use interesting materials to make creations in a given category, including Cardboard Relief and Nylon Sculptures.
The newer generation seems to be gravitating to more hands-on with art as technology and AI accelerate. Offered were also categories for Photoshop and computer graphic design, and fewer hands-on traditional arts. Oil painting has not been a category since before COVID. The more traditional art mediums, such as acrylic painting, only had two students entered. But this year’s crop of students returned to more traditional arts and crafts, strong in charcoal, pastel, pencil drawing, and especially photography, and less emphasis on the computer.
Student Celia Bowles took first in the Egg Tempera category. Egg tempera, an age-old medium, was used by the masters. Nowadays, egg tempera is similar to gouache, an opaque watercolor, and easier to control
“The graphic art was outstanding and the tiny egg tempera landscapes were very nice,” said Duffy Dillinger.
Reminiscent of artist Thomas Hart Benton, student Megan Pounsberry showed imagination in her first place winning drawing of a sports car with exaggerated proportions.
Photography is stronger this year, with more focus and thought on the subject. Taylor Marin’s three goats were not only cute but also showed a strong contrast. Christian Henson’s quirky photo of a deserted downtown mall in Charlottesville with one person had vibrant color and intense morning light. Both won first in their categories.
Jack Jeffries’ first-place clay plate had a mix of beautiful color and design. Notable in charcoal was Aaron Carter-Payne’s portrait, which received an honorable mention. Winning first and Best in Show in the charcoal category was Ethen Ouk.
Teacher’s Choice went to Chloe Price for her watercolor flowers.
The three FAA judges were impressed with the skill level and talent of all the students, particularly those showing potential for further study.
