MartinArts, Community Honor Exceptional Visual Artists with Awards Ceremony in Marvin S. Cone 36th Annual High School Juried Art Show

Exhibition and Ribbons on Display through May 26 at the Court House Cultural Center Gallery

A wonderful Treasure Coast tradition was celebrated by the community on May 5 when MartinArts hosted its Marvin S. Cone 36th Annual High School Juried Art Show at the Court House Cultural Center Gallery.  More than 200 exhibiting artists and guests filled the gallery and outdoor stage at neighboring Gazebo Park, to experience the works, first-hand, and to meet and honor the artists. Taking home top-honors with 2022 Best of Show was Sophie Araque-Liu, a Martin County High School student for her painting Emergence.

The show was founded by Marvin S. Cone, a local artist, educator and entrepreneur, out of passion to recognize and award students and encourage greater artistic achievements. Each year, the show provides the opportunity for participating students to who their works in a professional setting, with many for sale. Cash prizes, certificates, and ribbons are awarded to honorees in five categories of drawing, mixed media, painting, sculpture, and photography/digital prints.

“This exhibition is truly a legacy and a long-standing favorite of our staff, volunteers and the community,” said Nancy K. Turrell, Executive Director of MartinArts. “Each year it is a joy to recognize the amazing talents of students and honor with gratitude, Marvin S. Cone, for sharing his enthusiasm and dedication to cheering and supporting young artists.”

Juried Awards, judged by Anthony Burks and Torenzo Gann, include Drawing:1^st Place: “One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure” by Lily Cave, 2nd Place: “Ghost Quiet” by Emily Brown, 3rd Place: “Drapery” by Brianna Gibson; Mixed Media: 1st Place: “Two Lives” by Madi Boudreau, 2nd Place: “The Night Star” by Diana Perez-Diaz; 3rd Place: “Polar Opposites: by Bryce Needham; Painting: 1st Place: “Thoughts?” by Mackenzi King, 2nd Place: “Encaustic” by Samantha Conner, 3rd Place: “L’Union Fait la Force” by Amanda Grodman. Sculpture: 1st Place: “Ceramic Wheel-Thrown Teapot” by Sebastian Mastin, 2nd Place: “Our Eyes” by Riley Henkel, 3rd Place: “8th Welded Wonder” by Avery Rivers; Photography & Digital Prints: 1st Place: “Jesus” by Sarah Lykins, 2nd Place: “Disappearing” by Rebecca Cotton, 3rd Place: “Serenity” by Audrey Foley.

Honorable Mention awards, across categories, included: “Demonia Boots” by Paige Day, “Unprocessed Trauma” by Maya Othman, “A Voice for Those Strangled into Silence” by Skylar Rita Miller, “In My Veins” by Maria Flores, “Birds of Paradise” by Mia Kerner, “Betrayal” by Liv Powell, “Taking Over” by Sydney Gundlach, “The Shadows of Nizhny” by Claire Austhof, “Rustic Gold Sunrise” by Hollyn Lewis, and “The Lily Pond” by Emma Turull.

An anticipated tradition, in advance of the awards, the Superintendent of Martin County School District Dr. John Mallay, principals from participating high schools, and community dignitaries and supporters were invited to choose and purchase works to display in permanent collections. Purchase Awards include: Superintendent’s Purchase Award: “The Night Star” by Diana Perez-Diaz, Martin County High School: “Emergence” by Sophie Araque-Liu and “Bahamian Paradise” by Mia Gifford, The Pine School: “Ring Bottle” by Brett Sarcia, South Fork High School: “Encaustic” by Samantha Conner, “The Shadows of Nizhny” by Claire Austhof and “Luz” by Victoria Gonzalez, Jensen Beach High School: “Bold Jennifer” by Kennedy Maehl and “Thoughts” by Mackenzi King, Clark Advanced Learning Center: “The Burnout” by Juliana Vallone, Education Foundation of Martin County: “Looking Out” by Chloe Tolton, Supervisor of Elections: “A New Day” by Christopher Wiercinski, Children’s Services Council of Martin County: “Unprocessed Trauma” by Maya Othman, Martin County District 3: “No Riders” by Sydney Launay, and The Historical Society of Martin County: “L’Union Fait la Force” by Amanda Grodman.

Sponsors of the exhibit, helping to ensure the event’s success, are Palm City Art & Frame, Publix Supermarkets Charities, Vianne Nichols, Karen L. Barnes, Paul and Helen Kleinfeld, and Anthony D. George, JR, PA. Funding was also received from the state of Florida for a percentage of sales from the “State of the Arts License Plate.”

The Court House Cultural Center Gallery hours are Tuesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. To learn more about MartinArts, explore membership, and make donations, visit: MartinArts.org.

About MartinArts:

MartinArts mission is to inspire participation and passion for the arts in our community. MartinArts envisions a vibrant and thriving community where arts and culture is woven into every aspect of life. As a regional leader, MartinArts stimulates and advances the economy of the cultural community.

MartinArts has served our community since 1980 and as the local arts agency since 1986. With roots in our community, we strive to support the arts sector through advocacy, promotion, research, community planning and programming. Our focus on arts education is core to who we are as we know that through those efforts, we are working to secure an audience for generations in the future. We are housed in a county-owned historic building (formerly the county’s first courthouse) the Court House Cultural Center. Located in historic downtown Stuart, this venue allows us to serve as a hub of cultural experiences for residents and visitors.

Sponsored in part by the Florida Dept. of State, Division of Arts & Culture, Florida Council on Arts & Culture, the National Endowment for the Arts, Martin County Board of County Commissioners, and private contributions.