Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Sara Gingerich, a junior at Potter-Dix High School, shows her entry for the 18th Annual Nebraska Young Artist Awards. Gingerich's work will be displayed publicly in Richards Hall at UNL April 3-8.
Potter-Dix junior Sara Gingerich was recently chosen for not one, but two prestigious art awards.
Gingerich was one of 60 high school juniors, chosen from 142 entrants across Nebraska, to receive a Nebraska Young Artist Award. She was also chose as a winner for the Congressional Art Contest.
Contestants for the Nebraska Young Artest contest entered works in visual art, dance, music, theater, film and new media for the competition, sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts.
In this, the 18th annual event, Gingerich entered a visual art piece done in her favorite medium, pencil and colored pencil, titled "Soul's Window."
"I like to do pencil work, you can move it around better and blend it better," Gingerich said. "Watercolor is probably hardest for me."
Participants in the state contest received an invitation to attend a special day of activities at the university in Lincoln on April 8.
The day will include a tour of the arts facilities and participants will receive information on art careers, meet faculty and students, enjoy lunch on campus.
Students will receive a certificate at the day's end during a ceremony in the Sheldon Museum of Art's auditorium.
Contestants will also be given a piece of artwork commissioned specifically for this event and created by a department of art and art history printmaking student.
Her art teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Thomas, who Gingerich said has been instrumental in her artistic ventures, is taking her to enjoy the day in Lincoln.
Thomas will be nominated for her own award as winners are asked to nominate the teacher who supported and mentored them throughout their artistic development.
"I am excited just to be there," Gingerich said. "My dad will try to meet us there."
In addition to the state contest, Gingerich is also very excited about being chosen for the Congressional Art Contest in which one winner in each category, in each state, wins a trip to Washington, D.C.
"I decided to do it again this year hoping to get to Washington, D.C.," Gingerich said.
Thomas helped Gingerich submit her oil pastel submission, "The Rustic Cowgirl," for the elite national contest.
Gingerich, who has had an interest in art since childhood, will attend an opening ceremony on June 23 for a show in which her piece will be displayed.
"I am looking forward to touring Washington, D.C," Gingerich said. "And to see all the entries for the Congressional contest."
Gingerich, who will be accompanied by Thomas, is also considering taking her brother, Sammie.
Though she hopes to study interior design at Chadron State College, Gingerich said she has some time to get it all figured out.
The Potter-Dix junior will stay busy in the meanwhile. In addition to art, Gingerich is manager of the speech team, and is active in volleyball, music and track.