A Grade 11 Olds High School student has recently elevated her status as an accomplished artist, winning top honours at a prestigious exhibition over the weekend.
Hannah Fisher's work was judged Best in Show at the 2011 Show Off High School Student Art and Design Exhibition hosted by the Alberta College of Art & Design (ACAD).
“I would describe this as really important recognition for a really young student,” said ACAD spokesperson Anne-Marie Dorland.
This spring, students in Grades 11 and 12 from across the province competed to showcase their talent at this professional gallery exhibition, staged in ACAD's Illingworth Kerr Gallery - a nationally recognized exhibition space.
Of the nearly 200 applicants, Fisher was one of only 75 students who were selected to participate in this major exhibition, ACAD officials view as marking the first step in their careers as professional artists and designers.
As part of Saturday's public closing reception for the Show Off Exhibition, ACAD officials announced that Fisher was the winner of the Best In Show Award, and the winner of full tuition to ACAD's Pre College Program.
Her piece, Unbelievable Unleashed, was selected by the jury committee based on her remarkable level of sophistication and imagination.
“We were impressed by the detail within the piece and the craftsmanship she displayed, and we were unanimous that this was Best in Show,” noted a member of the professional jury and Show Off awards committee.
Of the exhibiting artists, 13 won major scholarships and awards, opening the doors to their pursuit of a bachelor of design or bachelor of fine arts degree at ACAD.
Budding artists at Olds High School will also benefit from Fisher's win, said Dorland.
ACAD is presenting Olds High School with an additional $2,400 bursary in support of what ACAD called its outstanding fine art program.
With this support the Olds High School will be able to continue developing exciting new artists like Fisher, said ACAD officials.
“Really, that's where that talent is nurtured and learned,” she said.
