The inaugural The University of Olivet Regional High School Student Art Exhibition drew more than 150 2D, 3D, ceramics and graphic designsubmissions. Juniors and seniors across the state entered their work to compete for talent scholarships up to $3,000. The event culminated in an artists’ reception and awards ceremony on Friday, Dec. 15 where 24 students were awarded scholarships.
Adjunct professor of art Don VanAuken is proud to help these students recognize their potential to succeed as visual art students at Olivet. “It has been a pleasure to work with these students and to see their amazing work, and also to play a role in their college selection by sharing what The University of Olivet has to offer,” he said. “I was very impressed by the caliber of submissions we received, and can’t wait for these students to join us on campus. The individualized attention present at OC is very beneficial to artists. As professors, we are able to learn each student’s strengths, weaknesses and goals, and customize an approach to teaching them. Pairing that kind of structure with an affordable education helps graduates enter the job market with confidence – and less debt.”
Scholarship Recipients
Melanie Jones, Eaton Rapids High School
Brendon Alberty, Penfield High School
Ashton Wood, Charlotte High School
Serenity Brooks, Charlotte High School
Dana Shepard, Olivet High School
Drew Smith, Dexter High School
Isabel Price, Penfield High School
Kristin Donnelly, Zeeland East High School
Joseph Kunnen, City High Middle School
Will Wilson, Charlotte High School
Alexa Davis, Kalamazoo Central High School
Keeley Robinson, Maple Valley High School
Emma Berning, Harper Creek High School
Dante Barnes, Penfield High School
Mitchell VanNate, Potterville High School
Tana Neeb, Kalamazoo Central High School
Sarah Boyle, Kalamazoo Central High School
Andrew Barkman, Kalamazoo Central High School
Haili Trowbridge, Maple Valley High School
Philip Kooistra, City High Middle School
Jessalyn Kline, Kalamazoo Central High School
Alexis Coger, Penfield High School
Phillip Heard, Kalamazoo Central High School
Maranda Barbree, Penfield High School
View the exhibit in the Kresge Foundation Art Gallery inside the Riethmiller Blackman Art Building at OC until Dec. 22. Contact the Office of Admissions at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu to learn more about the visual arts program at OC.