Receiving a Gold Key is an honor for student artists across the state and this year two Assumption students received this recognition. The awards are the longest-running and largest recognition program for youth in the visual arts in the country. It is sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.
Students submit their work in ceramics & glass, design, digital art, drawing & illusion, editorial cartoon, mixed media, painting, photography and printmaking. They are then judged on their levels of originality and technique. All Gold Key winners are judged again at the national level where, if they win, will be awarded in March as a national medalist.
Seniors May Scott and Sam Bradley were awarded gold keys and a place for their work in the KMAC Museum. Their selected works will remain on view Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until March 3, 2024.
Gina Beirne, an Assumption art teacher wishes that we had more winners this year but is still extremely proud of our recognized students. She explained that every art teacher can submit 30 student pieces. In total Assumption’s three art teachers have the ability to submit 90 artworks.
“This year we had a lack of student participation. Everyone in the art department recognizes the talent among our girls, we just need more involvement with this incredible opportunity of recognition.”
Bradley was recognized for their work in Drawing. The piece recognized is titled No Justice Without Peace. When asked what their reaction, Bradley told me that, “It was kind of unexpected and I didn’t believe it would have met the requirements of a gold key winner, but now I am happy to have gotten this recognition and opportunity”.
Scott’s ceramic piece Being a Woman is pictured below, however she was unavailable for questions.
