Best of Show Winner Took Home $1,000 Prize and Crystal Trophy
Molly Howard’s monotype titled “Combustion” took the Best of Show award — along with a $1,000 prize and crystal trophy — at Wilmington College’s McDonald Biennial Exhibition Wednesday (March 22).
(PICTURED) Sophomore Molly Howard's work, "Combustion," took Best of Show. She is flanked by Janet and William McDonald.
Howard, a sophomore from Xenia majoring in art and communication arts, submitted her works for judging by a jury that included Lynne Ambrosini, chief curator of Cincinnati’s Taft Museum of Art; Christine Berry, the co-owner of Berry Campbell Gallery in New York City; and Hal Shunk, professor of art and director of WC’s Harcum Art Gallery.
Shunk spoke of the impressive artistic knowledge of his co-judges and how seriously each of them took their task. “If I was showing my work here, I would be very proud,” he said.
Other winners in the competition were three runners-up, who each received a $250 prize: Molly Pratt for her monotypes and acrylic painting; Amber Jones, acrylic paintings; and Madison Wallendorf; monotypes and acrylic paintings. Earning honorable mention and $150 prizes were Desiree Lemons, who submitted acrylic paintings, and Catlin Lowman, whose screen print and acrylic paintings were featured.
Shunk lauded WC alumni Janet and William McDonald, the Biennial’s founders and benefactors, for their vision, support and encouragement since the Biennial’s founding in 2011. This will be the Biennial’s final year, as the College will offer only a minor in art.
William McDonald said students have always been at the center of their vision for the exhibition.
“The purpose of the Biennial is to take students who have talent and say to them, ‘You are good,’” he said, noting that having such “high quality judges” lends a great deal of credibility the endeavor. “When the jury selects a student’s work as Best of Show, that should encourage them.”
He looked back over the four Biennials with a great deal of satisfaction.
“It was an idea Jan and I had and we decided to run with it,” he recalled. “We want to encourage students to make art not only part of their study here, but part of their lives.”
