Aisosa Idahosa ’23 and Claire McMichael ’23 took home prestigious art prizes this year.
Idahosa’s large-scale figure drawing was chosen by the GA Visual Arts Faculty as this year’s “Purchase Award” winner. In talking about her piece, she said, “We were given the assignment to emulate the kind of pieces we saw on our field trip to The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and I thought it'd be fun to put a little spin on the more ‘traditional’ art pieces we saw there.”
David Love, Visual Arts Chair and GA Drawing and Painting teacher said, “When you see Aisosa’s drawing, you’ll immediately be stunned by its almost life-size scale. The dynamic gesture and portrayal of Black Joy (which tied into her Academy Scholar Project) is even more impressive.” Students submitted pieces of work to be juried by the Art Department. The selected piece is then purchased and put on display at GA.
McMichael took home the “Student’s Choice Award” in Visual Arts as her GA/PC inspired chess set sculpture was voted on and chosen by GA students for this year’s prize.
In talking about her inspiration, McMichael said that, “GA/PC Day has always been one of my favorite GA traditions, so I wanted to make something that would capture the spirit of the day”. Sara Krupnick-Ritz, Upper School Sculpture teacher, was equally impressed with McMichael’s stellar achievement. “For four years, Claire has consistently produced thoughtful, highly meticulous, college-level sculptural work. This piece is an architectural treasure and a loving tribute to GA's storied athletic competition of GA/PC Day. Claire hopes to be an architect some day and this piece will mark the beginning of it all. Congratulations Claire!"
In addition to applauding McMichael, the Upper School Visual Arts Department thanks all of the art students who submitted their art. “We commend you on your ambitious artistic efforts and also your courage in participating,” said Ritz. “ Your involvement made this year’s competition another stellar installation. Thanks also to those who voted!”