Stark Museum of Art announces College Juried Art Exhibition winners

The Stark Museum of Art proudly announces the winners of its annual College Juried Art Exhibition, showcasing the exceptional talent of 15 student artists from Lamar University and McNeese State University. The exhibition, on view now through Dec. 20, features works selected by a distinguished juror and highlights creativity across various mediums.

This year's Best of Show Award was presented to Taylor Balsano from Lamar University for her thought-provoking piece, "Untitled," which juxtaposes a bear (symbolizing nature) against a wallpaper-like background (representing the human-built environment). The juror praised the piece's compelling contrast between nature and humanity, noting its evocative and layered meaning. Balsano received a $500 Blick Art Materials gift certificate for her accomplishment.

In addition, two Honorable Mentions were awarded:

• Nelly Gonzalez Chan of McNeese State University for her painting, "Circle of Life," which the juror described as "striking at first glance" and visually captivating, inviting viewers to analyze each element within the "vanitas" composition.

• Angela de la Rosa of Lamar University for her untitled painting, celebrated by the juror for its impactful color palette, which conveys a uniquely alternative tone.

Each Honorable Mention recipient received a $100 Blick Art Materials gift certificate, courtesy of Blick Art Materials.

The 2024 College Juried Art Exhibition features the following 15 artists:

• Taylor Balsano, Lamar University, Best of Show

• Angela de la Rosa, Lamar University, Honorable Mention

• Nelly Gonzalez Chan, McNeese State University, Honorable Mention

• Madelyn Benoit, McNeese State University

• Ciara Broussard, Lamar University

• Abigail Brumett, McNeese State University

• Logan Comeaux, Lamar University

• Rachel Durham, Lamar University

• Taylor Hess, McNeese State University

• Nya James, McNeese State University

• Kate Lawrence, Lamar University

• Brandon Morales, Lamar University

• Willie Sandles, Lamar University

• Gabrielle Sensat, Lamar University

• Samina Shaikh, Lamar University

The Stark Museum of Art invites the public to view this year's College Juried Art Exhibition and celebrate the creativity and skill of these rising artists. For more information about the Stark Museum of Art, please visit starkmuseum.org.

The Stark Museum of Art is located at 712 Green Avenue in downtown Orange, Texas and open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum is free of charge.