Fine Art Finals - The Blog

2010 Midwest Collegiate Art Posted

2011-03-05T01:33:00.002-06:00

ABOVE ARTWORK:
FIRST PLACE: Carmine by Li Chi Wang
Oil on Canvas - 45.8" x 31.4" - Fontbonne University - MO

Click here to see the
Best of the Midwest 2010!

2010 Midwest Collegiate Winners Announced

2011-01-17T21:32:00.001-06:00

The Winners of the 2010 Midwest Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Artwork will be posted soon.

View the Midwest Winner & Finalist list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Winners. Congratulations to all the Winners, Finalists, and thank you to all who entered!

2010 Midwest Collegiate Finalists Chosen

2011-01-07T23:20:00.003-06:00

The 2010 Midwest Collegiate Finalists have been announced on our website and all the finalists have been notified by email. Winners will be announced January 17th, artwork to be posted soon after.

SEE THE 2010 MIDWEST
COLLEGIATE FINALIST
LIST HERE

Thank you to all who entered!

2010 Midwest Collegiate "Call for Entries"

2010-10-21T12:18:00.000-05:00

Now accepting entries for the 4th Annual Midwest Fine Art Finals Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition

Attention all Associate, Bachelor, and Masters Degree candidates with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at a Midwest Regional public or private college or university. No matter what major, if you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 4th Annual Fine Art Finals Midwest Scholarship Competition.

Media accepted into Midwest Collegiate Regional Scholarship Competition include:

Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
Photography - traditional and digital.
Digital Art - please see information page for details
Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details

Collegiate Scholarship Awards:
First Place: $1200
Second Place: $600
Third Place: $300
Two Honorable Mentions: $50

Download Collegiate Entry Form & Poster - here

Collegiate Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, November 19, 2010

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: January 7, 2011
Notification of Winners by E-mail: January 17, 2011
Scholarships mailed to Winners: January 31, 2011

Midwest Region includes the following States:

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota,
Ohio, South Dakota, & Wisconsin

To view previous Finalists and Winners, including those of the Second Annual Midwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition of 2009, click here

Interview with Daniel Chudzinski

2010-10-21T12:05:00.005-05:00

Daniel Chudzinski from Bowling Green State University in Ohio was the First Place winner of the $1200 Scholarship Award in the 2009 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with his mixed media sculpture Virgil: The Ragtime Relic pictured above. Daniel was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Daniel Chudzinski: I cannot remember a time when I was not creating art. I can imagine a life without food more easily than a life without art.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Daniel Chudzinski: Above all, I strive to provoke a strong emotional response from my viewers. Whether it is joy, laughter, or tears. I push to present a narrative in such a way, that people will continue thinking about the story long after they leave the art. In short, I hope to unite concept, technical ability, and narrative in order to present to the viewer something they have never seen before.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Daniel Chudzinski: According to my Mother, when I was three years old she discovered me drawing on the back of a new Lazy-Boy recliner with markers. Before she could issue a proper reprimand, she realized she could identify the exact species of dinosaurs that I was illustrating. From that point on my family encouraged my artwork. So you could say that I started with cave paintings, like the rest of civilization.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Daniel Chudzinski: To say my family and friends are supportive would be an enormous understatement. Just this past weekend my parents (an attorney and a biology professor with no prior sculpting experience) helped me cast two life-size figures for my MFA exhibition. My grandfather donated his backyard for the process (which required two enormous pits and much machinery). Tomorrow, they are helping me to cast my first monumental figure. Without their unconditional support and unceasing encouragement I would not have survived as an artist.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Daniel Chudzinski: I began as an illustrator and discovered sculpture much later. Believe it or not, I was initially planning to be a lawyer like my father. That changed going into my senior year of college when I saw the Sistine Chapel ceiling for the first time. I realized two things at that moment: I would not be going to law school, and I would spend the rest of my life trying to create a work of art that would make someone else feel the way Michelangelo’s masterpiece had made me feel that day.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

I am currently working on my MFA in 3-D studies (sculpture). Prior to that I completed a B.A. in European History and a B.F.A. in sculpture at Miami University of Ohio.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending (attended)?

Daniel Chudzinski: There were many reasons I chose Bowling Green. The deciding factor was my advisor’s willingness to allow me to relentlessly pursue my dreams, no matter how ambitious they were. Over the course of the past two years I have realized many of those dreams. I honestly feel that BGSU is the only program through which I could achieve what I have accomplished artistically in the past two years.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Daniel Chudzinski: During a nation-wide search for graduate sculpture programs, I decided to visit Bowling Green State University . Having been raised thirty minutes away I was convinced that I already knew what they had to offer. I was wrong. Within minutes of meeting Shawn Morin (the head of the sculpture program) and viewing the facilities and artwork, I knew I had found a program in which I could thrive as an artist.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Daniel Chudzinski: I am constantly experimenting with new materials and discovering new ways to convey narratives. Through Virgil, I realized my interest in working with found objects. I love the notion of utilizing materials that others have consciously rejected or thrown away, in order to create something desirable.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Daniel Chudzinski: Michelangelo said it best: “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Artists should never allow themselves to reside in a comfort zone. This leads to stagnation and predictability. When creating art, it is necessary to bite-off more than you can chew.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Daniel Chudzinski: I would not say that I have a single favorite artist. I draw inspiration from many sources. However, I have always felt a personal connection to Michelangelo. He was completely devoted to his artwork, even when working on commissions he did not want (the Sistine Chapel ceiling). He refused to settle for anything short of excellence, whether it was sculpture, painting, or architecture. Most admirably, he was working on a sculpture six days before he died (he was 89). The passion never left him.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Daniel Chudzinski: I have many interests beyond art. To name a few: history, animals, the outdoors, kayaking, power-lifting, inspirational stories, taxidermy, archery and fencing.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Daniel Chudzinski: I am working towards becoming a professional sculptor.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Daniel Chudzinski: I received a graduate assistantship and had saved money from previous commissions to help pay for personal expenses and art supplies.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Daniel Chudzinski: I first heard about Fine Art Finals through other students at BGSU.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Daniel Chudzinski: Winning the Fine Art Finals Scholarship competition helped to pay for some of the supplies required to cast two monumental archangels and two life-size figures in plaster for my M.F.A. Exhibition this spring. I have received congratulatory e-mails from many of my peers and faculty members after my success in the Fine Art Finals competition. It has also allowed my work to reach a new audience.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Daniel Chudzinski: It is only impossible until you do it. If you are willing to put in the work and make the necessary sacrifices, your artwork will reward you.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Daniel. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Interview with Alyson Dells

2010-10-21T11:47:00.004-05:00

Alyson Dells from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in Michigan was the Second Place winner of the $600 Scholarship Award in the 2009 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her oil on salvaged window painting Alana pictured above. Alyson was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Alyson Dells: I create art because it is a way to communicate. I paint a view of the world around me so people can see and hopefully understand something differently.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Alyson Dells: Right now I paint people on salvaged windows that have been used in a home and I play with the transparency of the windows with the paintings. This visually expresses a dichotomy between feeling permanent and impermanent.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Alyson Dells: I have always loved to create, formally I started taking classes in high school.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Alyson Dells: My family and friends are very supportive of my decision to be an artist, better than I could ever ask for.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Alyson Dells: I concentrate on fine art and art history because I think it is important to understand why and how people have always created art. An understanding of this pushes me to create

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending (attended)?

Alyson Dells: The deciding factor for choosing Kendall was the cost and location.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Alyson Dells: I am a painting Major.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Alyson Dells: Originally I wanted to be an Art Education major to help others understand and appreciate the value of art. As I continued to paint I realized that I wanted to pursue it as a career. I also realized that if I could make art and support myself, eventually I could continue my education and teach others to do the same.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Alyson Dells: I work mostly with watercolor and oil and I like to experiment and work with collage as well. Also I tend to work in waves so the mediums somewhat work together. For example, when I have been painting with watercolors for a while and switch to oils, the process of making every mark matter with watercolor effects how I handle the oil paint. This is my favorite part of painting and being able to explore different mediums.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Alyson Dells: In creating my art I try to stay grounded in technique and craft because I think that they give a work of art validity. Also its important to me to understand where I find my motivation because it explains why I am creating a work of art and keeps me driven.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Alyson Dells: I have many favorite artists! John Singer Sargent inspires me because of his brushstrokes and the way he defines the figure. Michael Borremans is also great with the atmosphere he creates within a painting. Jerome Witkin is also a favorite because of his compositions.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Alyson Dells: The previous three influence my work because I admire the way they paint. More importantly I am influenced by my peers and artists around me. I have been fortunate to be in an environment of very talented artists that have helped me to learn valuable skills.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Alyson Dells: I love to hike and be outdoors and this influences my work because I am constantly inspired when I am in nature. I am inspired by the pure beauty that exists outside of human industry.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Alyson Dells: I hope to have studio and create art as my career. I also plan to complete a masters program and eventually teach.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Alyson Dells: I worked part time.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Alyson Dells: At Kendall I received a Portfolio Scholarship and the Kendall Merit Scholarship.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Alyson Dells: Through my friends and other students.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Alyson Dells: Winning this has made me more confident in my work and motivates me to create more.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Alyson Dells: I would tell other student artists to keep working at what they love. If they feel that art is important and what they need to do, then do it. There is no specific career path in art so I think as long as you make sure you are staying true to what is motivating you to create than as an artist you will find a way to make it work.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Alyson. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Interview with Kelly Robinson

2010-10-21T11:29:00.004-05:00

Kelly Robinson from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Illinois was an Honorable Mention of the $50 Scholarship Award in the 2009 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her jewelry Inner Tube Bracelet pictured above. Kelly was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Kelly Robinson: It is what I love to do, and I believe I was born to do it.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Kelly Robinson: Humor and beauty are all around us.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Kelly Robinson: Since age 4-5 .

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Kelly Robinson: Yes, they encourage me and like to show off some of my work to their friends at times.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Kelly Robinson: Metals and jewelry-fine craft. It is a wonderful medium to work with.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending (attended)?

Kelly Robinson: I was awarded a special stipend with no work requirements for the first year, and it was close to home.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Kelly Robinson: Metalsmithing.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Kelly Robinson: Because of the background I already had in the medium.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Kelly Robinson: It's really hard to choose just one, but if I could afford to work primarily in gold I would.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Kelly Robinson: Work hard, play hard. Experiment, take risks, try not to be afraid to fail.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Kelly Robinson: There not one, but I really like pop art.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Kelly Robinson: No one specific artist, Roy Lichtenstein is great.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Kelly Robinson: I played roller derby just before beginning graduate school, having a sport or physical activity is always a plus. I love growing veggies in my garden as well.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Kelly Robinson: Selling a line of jewelry, and teaching.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Kelly Robinson: 100% student loans, and stipend.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Kelly Robinson: Yes, I received a Competitive Graduate Award from my school SIUE, it has been a blessing. Full tuition waiver, plus monthly stipend award.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Kelly Robinson: From my professors at SIUE.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Kelly Robinson: It has given my work great exposure and the award money has helped me purchase art supplies.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Kelly Robinson: Do your best, research and experiment... as long as it continues to help you grow then it is fun

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Kelly. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

2010 Midwest Collegiate "Call for Entries"

2010-10-07T12:34:00.004-05:00

Now accepting entries for the 4th Annual Midwest Fine Art Finals Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition

Media accepted into Midwest Collegiate Regional Scholarship Competition include:

Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
Photography - traditional and digital.
Digital Art - please see information page for details
Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details

Collegiate Scholarship Awards:
First Place: $1200
Second Place: $600
Third Place: $300
Two Honorable Mentions: $50

Download Collegiate Entry Form & Poster - here

Collegiate Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, November 19, 2010

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: January 7, 2011
Notification of Winners by E-mail: January 17, 2011
Scholarships mailed to Winners: January 31, 2011

Midwest Region includes the following States:

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota,
Ohio, South Dakota, & Wisconsin

To view previous Finalists and Winners, including those of the Second Annual Midwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition of 2009, click here

2010 W/SW Collegiate Artwork Posted

2010-06-22T17:31:00.006-05:00

ABOVE ARTWORK:
FIRST PLACE: Identities by Mike Miller
Oil on Canvas - 48" x 36" - Laguna College of Art & Design - CA

Click here to see the
Best of the West/Southwest 2010!

2010 W/SW Collegiate Winners Announced

2010-06-22T17:29:00.001-05:00

The Winners of the 2010 West/Southwest Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Artwork will be posted soon.

View the West/Southwest Winner & Finalist list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Winners. Congratulations to all the Winners, Finalists, and thank you to all who entered!

2010 IL HS Artwork Posted

2010-06-22T17:25:00.002-05:00

Above Artwork:
FIRST PLACE: Anita by Aneta Prusak
Acrylic on Film - 8" x 10" - Reavis High School - Burbank, IL

CLICK HERE TO SEE
THE BEST OF IL HS 2010!

2010 IL HS Winners Announced

2010-06-14T18:27:00.001-05:00

The 2010 Illinois High School Winners have been announced on our website and all winners and their High schools have been notified by email. Artwork to be posted soon.

SEE THE 2010 IL HS
FINALIST & WINNERS
LIST HERE

Thank you to all who entered!

2010 W/SW Collegiate Finalists Chosen

2010-06-14T18:23:00.002-05:00

The 2010 West/Southwest Collegiate Finalists have been announced on our website and all the finalists have been notified by email. Winners will be announced June 21st, artwork to be posted soon after.

SEE THE 2010 W/SW
COLLEGIATE FINALIST
LIST HERE

Thank you to all who entered!

2010 IL HS Finalists Chosen

2010-06-09T13:23:00.002-05:00

The 2010 Illinois High School Finalists have been announced on our website and all finalists have been notified by email, along with their High School Art Teachers. Winners to be announced on June 14th, artwork posted soon after.

SEE THE 2010 IL HS
FINALIST LIST HERE

Thank you to all who entered!

2010 IL HS Competition Deadline EXTENDED

2010-05-14T13:09:00.006-05:00

**DEADLINE EXTENDED**

FINAL CUT-OFF FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2010

We are extending the deadline for the 2010 Fine Art Finals Illinois High School State Scholarship Competition due to an extremely low number of submissions. In hopes to come closer to our $1300 scholarship award total given to winning students and their schools' art department, the deadline will now be Friday, May 28, 2010. Please understand that in our previous 2 Illinois High School competitions, the entries have never fully paid for the awards given, thus relying on our Collegiate competitions to cover the High School scholarship awards, while barely covering their own. This is why we haven't yet opened the High School competitions to other states. This year, the entry numbers are really low, which gives better chances for winning, which also means money for your schools' art program in this failing economy where art budgets are the first to be cut if one of your students win. We tried not having to extend the deadline, however, other much larger national and even international art competitions regularly extends their deadlines. Please visit our website for 2010 Illinois High School Entry Forms - HERE

New EXTENDED IL HS Calendar:

Final Cut-off Extended Deadline:
Must be Postmarked by Friday, May 28, 2010

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: June 7, 2010
Notification of Winners by E-mail: June 14, 2010
Scholarships mailed to Winners: June 21, 2010

2010 W/SW Collegiate Competition CLOSED

2010-05-14T13:08:00.000-05:00

The 2010 West/Southwest Collegiate Competition is now CLOSED.
Please check back for results.

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: June 11, 2010
Notification of Winners by E-mail: June 21, 2010
Scholarships mailed to Winners: July 5, 2010

LAST DAY TO ENTER W/SW COLLEGIATE AND IL HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITIONS!

2010-05-07T10:29:00.007-05:00

Today is the last day to enter the

West/Southwest Collegiate competition and the Illinois High School competition.
Visit website for entry forms and entry rules.
_____________________________

W/SW Collegiate Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, May 7, 2010

_____________________________

IL High School Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, May 7, 2010
_____________________________

So get your entries postmarked today!!!

New POSTER GALLERY ARCHIVE on Website!

2010-03-24T01:50:00.005-05:00

We just added a Poster Art Gallery Archive to our website to display the beautiful posters that represent each of our art scholarship competitions for both Collegiate and High School levels. Featured on the posters are the winners' artwork from the previous year's competition. Take a look! We hope this gallery keeps growing with more amazing art from America's most talented and gifted emerging artists!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE
POSTER GALLERY!

2010 West/Southwest Collegiate Competition OPEN

2010-03-24T01:39:00.003-05:00

Now accepting entries for the 3rd Annual West/Southwest Fine Art Finals Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition

Attention all Associate, Bachelor, and Masters Degree candidates with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at a West/Southwest Regional public or private college or university. No matter what major, if you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 3rd Annual Fine Art Finals West/Southwest Scholarship Competition.

Media accepted into West/Southwest Collegiate Regional Scholarship Competition include:

Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
Photography - traditional and digital.
Digital Art - please see information page for details
Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details

Collegiate Scholarship Awards:
First Place: $1200
Second Place: $600
Third Place: $300
Two Honorable Mentions: $50

Download Collegiate Entry Form & Poster - here

Collegiate Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, May 7, 2010

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: June 11, 2010
Notification of Winners by E-mail: June 21, 2010
Scholarships mailed to Winners: July 5, 2010

West/Southwest Region includes the following States:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho,
Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Texas, Utah, Washington, & Wyoming

To view previous Finalists and Winners, including those of the Second Annual Midwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition of 2009, click here

2010 Illinois High School Competition OPEN

2010-03-24T01:38:00.002-05:00

Now accepting entries for the 3rd Annual Fine Art Finals Illinois High School Scholarship Competition

Attention all High School Students with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at an Illinois public or private High School or College Preparatory School. If you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 3rd Annual Fine Art Finals Illinois High School Scholarship Competition. Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are eligible.

Media accepted into Illinois High School Scholarship Competition include:

Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
Photography - traditional and digital.
Digital Art - please see information page for details
Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details

High School Scholarship Awards:

First Place: $500 to Student &
$250 to School Art Program

Second Place: $250 to Student &
$125 to School Art Program

Third Place: $125 to Student &
$50 to School Art Program

Download 2009 Illinois High School Entry Form & Poster - here

High School Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, May 7, 2010

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: May 17, 2010
Notification of Winners by E-mail: May 24, 2010
Scholarships mailed to Winners: June 1, 2010

View last year's 2009 Illinois High School Finalists and Winners - here

View the first 2008 Illinois High School Finalists and Winners - here

2009 Midwest Collegiate Art Posted

2010-03-06T23:22:00.004-06:00

ABOVE ARTWORK:

First Place - Virgil: The Ragtime Relic by Daniel Chudzinski
Mixed Media - 52" x 58" x 40" - Bowling Green State University - OH

Click (here) to see the
Best of the Collegiate Midwest
in 2009!

Midwest 2009 Winners Announced

2010-01-18T11:58:00.001-06:00

The Winners of the 2009 Midwest Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Artwork will be posted soon.

View the Midwest Winner & Finalist list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Winners. Congratulations to all the Winners, Finalists, and thank you to all who entered!

Midwest Collegiate 09 Finalists Announced

2010-01-08T17:06:00.001-06:00

The Finalists of the 2009 Midwest Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Winners will be announced on January 18, 2010, and artwork will be posted soon after.

View Midwest Finalists list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Finalists. Congratulations to all the Finalists, and thank you to all who entered!

2009 Midwest Competition - CLOSED for Entries

2009-11-21T15:10:00.003-06:00

The 2009 Midwest Collegiate Art Scholarship Competition Call for Entries is officially closed. Thank you and good luck to all who entered. Please keep posted for the results.

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: Jan 8, 2010
Notification of Winners by E-mail: Jan 18, 2010
Scholarships mailed to Winners: Feb 1, 2010

2009 Midwest Collegiate "Call for Entries"

2009-10-07T18:32:00.008-05:00

Now accepting entries for the 3rd Annual Midwest Fine Art Finals Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition

Attention all Associate, Bachelor, and Masters Degree candidates with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at a Midwest Regional public or private college or university. No matter what major, if you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 3rd Annual Fine Art Finals Midwest Scholarship Competition.

Media accepted into Midwest Collegiate Regional Scholarship Competition include:

Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
Photography - traditional and digital.
Digital Art - please see information page for details
Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details

Collegiate Scholarship Awards:
First Place: $1200
Second Place: $600
Third Place: $300
Two Honorable Mentions: $50

Download Collegiate Entry Form & Poster - here

Collegiate Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, November 20, 2009

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: January 8, 2010
Notification of Winners by E-mail: January 18, 2010
Scholarships mailed to Winners: February 1, 2010

Midwest Region includes the following States:

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota,
Ohio, South Dakota, & Wisconsin

To view previous Finalists and Winners, including those of the Second Annual Midwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition of 2008, click here

Reflecting with Peter Bertucci

2009-10-07T17:09:00.007-05:00

Peter Bertucci from Lincoln-Way North High School in Frankfort, IL was the First Place Winner of the $500 Scholarship Award (with an additional $250 awarded to his school's art department) in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Illinois High School Scholarship Competition with his 24"x30" charcoal drawing Reflective Moments pictured above. Peter was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art? What are you trying to say with your art?

Peter Bertucci: I really enjoy creating art pieces that give the viewer the opportunity to think about what is going on in each scene. The idea is to create a piece in which it portrays a story and I like to capture that story in my artwork.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Peter Bertucci: I am a realistic artist and I try to depict scenes in which the viewer can immerse themselves in the piece and create their own perception of what the story is about.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Peter Bertucci: I started drawing at the age of 6 years old. So, I have been creating art for 10 years.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your pursuit of art?

Peter Bertucci: Yes, I have a very supportive network of family and friends. My parents recognized my artistic ability very early on. My brother, James is also a very accomplished artist. So, we have been developing our skills and abilities for a very long time. Our family and friends are very supportive as well as our community and high school, Lincoln Way East and North of suburban Frankfort, IL.

Fine Art Finals: Are you in an Art Program at your high school? Are you in any art clubs such as Art Honor Society, etc?

Peter Bertucci: Yes, I am currently in the Gifted Art Program at Lincoln Way North High School. I an not currently in any art club. They do not currently have any Art Honor Society at my school.

Fine Art Finals: How has your high school supported you in your pursuit of art?

Peter Bertucci: Lincoln-Way High Schools are extremely supportive of the arts. The teachers are there for hands on support. They assist us in any way possible for us to learn and take our art to the next level.

Fine Art Finals: Do you plan on pursuing art in college? If so, what type of art program or major will you pursue?

Peter Bertucci: I am currently looking into various options and art programs. I am not sure about my art major as of yet, but I know that I will be in an art program.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Peter Bertucci: My favorite mediums are charcoal, pastel and graphite. I like charcoal because of the texture it gives to the piece. I enjoy graphite because of how smooth it lays on the canvas. Pastels are wonderful because you get the opportunity to explore a variety of colors to combine on canvas and the outcome of each piece is amazing!

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Peter Bertucci: I believe that you must be dedicated and willing to put in the hours necessary to create and develop your ability. I personally put in at least 4-5 hours a day into my artwork.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Peter Bertucci: I like Vincent Van Gogh because of his use of color. I also appreciate many other famous artists for their style and creativity in their artwork.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Peter Bertucci: Michelangelo influences me the most because his paintings portray realism and the great use of color.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art, and if so, what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Peter Bertucci: I enjoy sports. When I participate in a sport activity, it is fun and relaxes me. I don't think it influences my art but it allows me to relax so that when I get back to my artwork, I have a clearer focus and a fresh perspective to my piece.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Peter Bertucci: Right now I am focusing on what major in the arts that I might pursue and I know that will lead me to a specific career path.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other scholarships to pursue your art education?

Peter Bertucci: No, I have not yet received any (other) scholarships to pursue my art education.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Peter Bertucci: I found out about your competition from by high school counselor.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Peter Bertucci: It has allowed me the opportunity to be judged on my abilities with fellow artists around the region and it gives me the chance to improve my skills to better myself.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Peter Bertucci: I would recommend that they continue to pursue their art interests. Sign up for art classes, if available at their school or private lessons in their communities. Dedication and always striving to be and do their best is important. It takes work and discipline and you can have fun but always focus on taking your interests to the next level. Try new things with your art. Your expression in your artwork is your signature or your statement of who you are-go for it!

Fine Art Finals: Is there any relation between you and 2009 West/Southwest Collegiate Honorable Mention James Bertucci from the Laguna College of Art and Design in California?

Peter Bertucci: Yes, James Bertucci is my oldest brother. I also have a brother Joe, who is 18. James started drawing at age 3. He is a National Award Winning Artist and he has been very supportive of my work. Our family works together as a team to enhance our art talent. My mother's family had artistic talent and she saw our abilities from very early on and focused attention to it. Our parents did not push art on us but encouraged us to pursue the use of our talents. I am not sure as yet if I will attend Laguna College of Art and Design. Right now, I am exploring my options at this point.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Peter. Congratulations again and we wish you continued success!

Interview with Eden Williams

2009-10-07T16:31:00.006-05:00

Eden Williams from Utah State University in Utah was the Third Place Winner of the $300 Scholarship Award in the 2009 Fine Art Finals West/Southwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her 8"x10" traditional photograph Man in Straw Hat pictured above. Eden was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Eden Williams: I create simply to have a voice. It feels like I cannot be heard any other way. I cry out with my art. I want people to open their eyes to the world around them. I hope that I can expose people to my ideas and view of the world. Making a statement with art is a gentler mode of communication than outright telling a person, because people tend to reject an idea if someone is telling them what to think. As a successful artist, I believe one can make the viewer FEEL emotion directed to a particular subject. Hopefully the viewer will gain much insight and understanding.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Eden Williams: I want people to wake up from this world of delusion that we are all living in and have been accustomed to enjoy. I strongly feel as if there is not much real human interaction anymore. It’s like we’ve all been trained on the proper ways in which to behave. We’ve learned our lifestyles and interactions from television and other’s before us. From my experience, if someone is brave enough (and coherent, not under the influence of substances) to try to behave like a real human- to be creative- we immediately shut them down and usually falsely label them as crazy. There is no understanding in this situation. I believe that many people are incapable (or unwilling) of understanding creativity.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Eden Williams: Ever since I can remember. I would call myself an artist if I didn’t despise the term so much. I feel like too many people steal that title and call it their own. The title of artist seems hardly defined and so lucid that the term can be thrown around without too much thought. Admire the modest ones.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Eden Williams: My family is so full of love for me. They have been nothing but supportive, loving, and positive towards me. If I ever wanted to make a bad choice, they loved me so much that they allowed me to make it (with words of caution of course), and were always there for me.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Eden Williams: Undecided, I find enjoyment in many mediums.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Eden Williams: Half-off tuition, in addition to a fabulous ceramics program.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Eden Williams: Art right now, but I am involved in a very serious internal debate with myself to switch to holistic nutrition.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Eden Williams: I love to draw. I love that a piece of paper can become something so much more. Maybe this sounds kind of weird, but sometimes I just space out while staring at a blank page. An image will just appear, so then I trace it. This technique kinda makes me feel like I’m cheating…

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Eden Williams: Make a statement, and don’t show off anything you are not proud of… That kind of publicity comes only after your death.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Eden Williams: Clay Custer. His works have an infinite and timeless feeling to them. Upon viewing his paintings, not only do you get to admire and develop a taste for this beauty, but one derives a genuine experience, hopefully feeling more at peace with themselves, and the beautiful, natural world around them. Marcy Skinner. She is a children’s book author. Canvas is not her medium. Instead, she paints eqsquistly with the flow of words. Positive and kind, full of learning love and laughter: I guarantee that you will encapture that genuine wonderment that faded as you grew older by walking down a beaten path with the words of Marcy, a friend to everyone. Sky Sunlight Saxon. I admire this musician for dedicating his life to a cause. This man saw the light, and rallied for a change in the world. My favorite songs are “world of Dreams” and “Down the Nile” from the album: Down the Nile.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Eden Williams: Sky Sunlight Saxon. He saw truth, and tried to share his version of it with the world. I admire that quality in anyone.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Eden Williams: I love animals and don’t want them to suffer anymore. Guess why I think? As a society we have become so poisoned. Poisoned by the media and poisoned by our food. Food; mainly animal products are filled with pesticides and hormones. These toxic substances definitely affect human functioning-- Turning light- filled people into shallow sheeple. They will slow you down and cloud up your mind, disturbing your inner peace and rendering you incapable of reaching a higher state of mind and reduce your ability to vibrate on a higher level. Please don’t contribute to animal suffering, it’s wrong. The Vegan Diet is the original diet that god himself choose for us (in the garden of Eden) because he loves us and knows that eating plant foods (as opposed to animals and chemicals) will make us happy. Please help make the world a better place, enlighten yourselves and be happy. I am currently working on a series with mixed mediums to embellish that standpoint.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Eden Williams: I would like to finagle a way to make life my art; I want to make a beautiful change in the world, not only by creating a piece of 2-d or 3-d piece of art. I will strive to direct and compose the life around me to create something truly beautiful. Truth, love, understanding and compassion.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Eden Williams: Financial aid, greenhouse work, and scholarships.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Eden Williams: My amazing mother directed me to it.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Eden Williams: I was reminded that I do have a talent. This experience has encouraged me to continue to pursue my love in life- which is art.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Eden Williams: Get yourself out there. Change the world with your talent.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Eden. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

2009 W/SW Collegiate Artwork Posted

2009-08-17T15:04:00.005-05:00

ABOVE ARTWORK:

First Place - As an Oak Remains by Andy Myers
Oak Sculpture - 52"x41" - University of Dallas – TX

Click (here) to see the
Best of the Collegiate West/Southwest 2009!

2009 Illinois HS Artwork Posted

2009-08-17T14:54:00.008-05:00

ABOVE ARTWORK:
First Place - Reflective Moments by Peter Bertucci
Charcoal 24"x30" - Lincoln-Way North High School - Frankfort, IL

Click (here) to see all the Finalist and Winning Artwork of the 2009 Illinois High School Competition!

West/Southwest 2009 Winners Announced

2009-06-15T21:53:00.003-05:00

The Winners of the 2009 West/Southwest Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Artwork will be posted soon.

View the W/SW Winner & Finalist list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Winners. Congratulations to all the Winners, Finalists, and thank you to all who entered!

West/Southwest 2009 Finalists Announced

2009-06-08T22:14:00.001-05:00

The Finalists of the 2009 West/Southwest Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Winners will be announced on June 15, 2009, and artwork will be posted soon after.

View the W/SW Finalists list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Finalists. Congratulations to all the Finalists, and thank you to all who entered!

IL HS Winners Announced

2009-05-22T13:55:00.007-05:00

The Winners of the 2009 Illinois High School Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Congratulations to all Winners and Finalists! Artwork will be posted soon. Awards will be sent in the mail June 1st, 2009.

View the IL HS Winner & Finalist list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Winners and their High Schools. Thank you to all who participated.

IL HS Finalists Announced

2009-05-15T19:08:00.004-05:00

The Finalists of the 2009 Illinois High School Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Winners will be announced on May 22, 2009, and artwork will be posted soon after.

View the IL HS Finalists list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Finalists and their High Schools. Congratulations to the Finalists!

Fine Art Finals now on TWITTER

2009-05-15T19:04:00.003-05:00

Fine Art Finals is NOW on TWITTER! Please visit our TWITTER page and FOLLOW Fine Art Finals for the all news, updates, calls for entry, deadlines, artist interviews, and more! Click HERE to add fineARTfinals to your Twitter Follow List.

SPRING 09 Competitions Closed

2009-05-15T18:51:00.002-05:00

Both the 2009 Collegiate West/Southwest Competition and the 2009 Illinois High School Competition are closed. Please check our website for results: here

Last Day to Postmark Entries for Collegiate W/SW

2009-05-08T11:18:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder that TODAY, Friday May 8th, is the last day to submit entries into the West/Southwest Scholarship Competition . All entries must be postmarked no later than today's date:

Collegiate Deadline:
Must be Postmarked by Friday, May 8, 2009

For Entry Forms and Entry Info, visit our website - here

So Hurry and get your entries to the Post Office TODAY!

Last Day to Postmark Entries for IL High Schools

2009-05-08T11:12:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that TODAY, Friday May 8th, is the last day to submit entries into the Illinois High School Scholarship Competition. All entries must be postmarked no later than today's date:

High School Deadline:
Must be Postmarked by Friday, May 8, 2009

For Entry Forms and Entry Info, visit our website - here

So Hurry and get your entries to the Post Office TODAY!

West/Southwest Collegiate Deadline Appoaching

2009-05-01T13:33:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder that the West/Southwest Scholarship Competition is approaching its entry deadline:

Collegiate Deadline:
Must be Postmarked by Friday, May 8, 2009

For Entry Forms and Entry Info, visit our website - here

Illinois High School Deadline Approaching

2009-05-01T13:26:00.006-05:00

Just a reminder that the Illinois High School Scholarship Competition is approaching its entry deadline:

High School Deadline:
Must be Postmarked by Friday, May 8, 2009

For Entry Forms and Entry Info, visit our website - here

Congratulations Rebecca Green, once again!

2009-03-24T14:28:00.005-05:00

We just found out that our 2008 Midwest Collegiate First Place Winner of the $1200 Scholarship Award, Rebecca Green and her winning 11"x14" oil painting Tower of Learning pictured above, was also recently chosen for the Arthur Zankel Memorial Award in the 2009 Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition for the same piece. Congratulations again on your continued success!

Read Rebecca Green's Interview here

Introducing Photography!

2009-03-24T14:21:00.003-05:00

Due to the overwhelming response from college professors and students from our previous competitions, Fine Art Finals is proud to introduce Photography, both traditional and digital formats, into our 2009 West/Southwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition and our 2009 Illinois High School Scholarship Competition. Photography was first introduced in our 2008 Midwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition, (finalist and winners can be seen here). We look forward to this years photographic submissions into our competition, along with all other art media described on our Collegiate and High School Calls for Entries.

2009 West/Southwest Collegiate "Call for Entries"

2009-03-24T14:13:00.006-05:00

Now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual West/Southwest Fine Art Finals Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition

Attention all Associate, Bachelor, and Masters Degree candidates with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at a West/Southwest Regional public or private college or university. No matter what major, if you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals West/Southwest Scholarship Competition.

Media accepted into West/Southwest Collegiate Regional Scholarship Competition include:

Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
Photography - traditional and digital.
Digital Art - please see information page for details
Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details

Collegiate Scholarship Awards:
First Place: $1200
Second Place: $600
Third Place: $300
Two Honorable Mentions: $50

Download Collegiate Entry Form & Poster - here

Collegiate Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, May 8, 2009

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: June 8, 2009
Notification of Winners by E-mail: June 15, 2009
Scholarships mailed to Winners: July 3, 2009

West/Southwest Region includes the following States:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, & Wyoming

To view previous Finalists and Winners, including those of the First Annual West/Southwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition of 2008, click here

2009 Illinois High School "Call for Entries"

2009-03-24T13:54:00.008-05:00

Now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals Illinois High School Scholarship Competition

Attention all High School Students with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at an Illinois public or private High School or College Preparatory School. If you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals Illinois High School Scholarship Competition. Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are eligible.

Media accepted into Illinois High School Scholarship Competition include:

Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
Photography - traditional and digital.
Digital Art - please see information page for details
Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details

Download 2009 Illinois High School Entry Form & Poster - here

High School Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, May 8, 2009

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: May 15, 2009
Notification of Winners by E-mail: May 22, 2009
Scholarships mailed to Winners: June 1, 2009

View last year's 2008 Illinois High School Finalists & Winners - here

Learning with Rebecca Green

2009-03-24T03:25:00.000-05:00

Rebecca Green from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in Michigan was the First Place Winner of the $1200 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her 11"x14" oil painting Tower of Learning pictured above. Rebecca was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Rebecca Green: I feel most like myself when I am doing it. I find an immense amount of joy when someone is moved or affected by the work that my hands can make.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Rebecca Green: As an illustrator, I have no huge concepts, but I hope to someday portray someone else’s narrative. When I am doing my own work, I love to create worlds that are a bit off-key and skewed in a comical sort of quirky way. I think my illustrations tend to make people happy, and I like that.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Rebecca Green: Literally since I can remember. I had a drawing of a mermaid published in the school newspaper in kindergarten and I knew from then on that I loved to do it.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Rebecca Green: At first my mother was a bit hesitant, but I think the farther I go into it, she started to see that it could really be a flourishing career for me. All of my other family members have always been very supportive, and most of my friends are artists, so we all support each other.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Rebecca Green: I am concentrating in commercial illustration, and have a minor in graphic design. I love to merge text and images, and this can be done in illustrations, or graphic design, sculpture, or even fine art, which I do all of. I think of myself as an artist, but hate to just focus on one aspect. It all makes me happy.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Rebecca Green: Honestly, it was cost. I would love to go out of state and study in a more competitive school, but I had to stick to a budget. After studying here for a while, I realized it was more about the portfolio than the school, so I am very self-motivated.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Rebecca Green: Illustration.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Rebecca Green: I started in graphic design because it was more stable, and the more I got into it, I realized most of my designs contained illustrations, I discovered my love for drawing was so intense, that it was worth risking that job security. So I switched to illustration.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Rebecca Green: Right now, I love doing line drawings. I love ink and graphite, but I enjoy oil too. Oil takes a while, so I don’t complete too many paintings, but I do enjoy it.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Rebecca Green: I have a very strong work ethic. I am kind of a perfectionist, and have a hard time limiting myself to the type of art I can create. I do more realistic work in my classes and more quirky stuff outside of class. I know to actually survive as an artist, it takes much more than what is asked of you, and I always have an urge to push myself.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Rebecca Green: Now this will sounds cliché, but Norman Rockwell for sure. He was an absolute genius illustrator in my opinion. His paintings are phenomenal. I am also a huge fan of Andrew Wyeth.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Rebecca Green: Right now, I am influenced by a lot of different artists. To name a couple, Chris Sickels of Red Nose Studio, Courtney Reagor, (Cant get enough of her) Ryan Graber, Jeffrey Hein (my goodness he is an amazing painter) and Greg Couch.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Rebecca Green: I used to do a little theatre, so that sort of “Show” world influences my work. I love shows, whether its theatre or dance, or carnivals or circuses. I love the quirky world of shows. I also love animals tremendously, and very much enjoy drawing them.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Rebecca Green: When I graduate, I hope to travel and see as much of the world as I can. I have been living in Michigan most of my life, and as an illustrator, I think it’s so important to see new things and keep fresh eyes. I hope to work from the road, sending work digitally, and enter my work in shows all over the country. It’s a big dream, but I think it could happen if I work my tail off.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Rebecca Green: I received scholarships and financial aid to cover the cost of school. I also work two jobs while going to school full time to keep up with the cost of living and supplies. I have had to take out student loans as well, which I will begin paying after graduation.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Rebecca Green: I received scholarships from the school I attend, as well as the Pell Grant, and other governmental awards and loans.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Rebecca Green: My life drawing teacher handed out the forms for it, he is pretty good at keeping us updated about competitions.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Rebecca Green: As far as the monetary award goes, it has definitely helped me in purchasing supplies, and having a better safety net just in case something may happen. It also has helped me in getting my name out there, making new contacts, and its also really great to have on my resume.

Fine Art Finals: Has any opportunities presented themselves as a result of winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Rebecca Green: I have made contacts with other students in different schools, which is always nice. Its always great to discuss schools with other students, because each one can be so different than the other.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Rebecca Green: To feed off of competition. And if you can’t find it in your school, search outside resources. Always be aware of what’s going on outside of school, learn from other artists, and compare yourself to them. Work to be as good as them, and perhaps someday you can surpass them. If you are going to take the risk of being an artist, go all the way. Always keep your eyes open for new shapes, colors, lines, details. Get inspired by small things, because they can turn into big ideas.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Rebecca. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Life with Ben Hartley

2009-03-24T03:09:00.004-05:00

Ben Hartley, from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, was the Second Place Winner of the $600 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with his 38"x48" oil painting Life Will Go On pictured above. Ben was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Ben Hartley: I create art because I was first created. I greatly desire to see beauty, to be about beauty, to give to beauty. I think that's what creating is about.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Ben Hartley: Gosh, I'm trying to say a lot of things, I guess it depends on what series of work your asking about. The piece that you have selected is about the simple fact that no matter what problem we may face, None are to great to bring to God. Simply put, that life will go on.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Ben Hartley: Creating art? I guess since I was in 5th grade or so. But as far as my focus in Oil Paint in particular, I started my Junior year of High School. About 6 years ago.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Ben Hartley: Oh yes! It has been an awesome part of the whole experience. Not once have I been discouraged in my efforts to produce work. I have only been encouraged to do more.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Ben Hartley: I'm a fine artist. Its where I have found my niche, and have been happy stay there.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Ben Hartley: 2-D media with a specialization in Oil Painting.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Ben Hartley: 2-D media quickly became the media that I was best able to express and effectively communicate what I needed to. It just made sense..

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Ben Hartley: Cost, proximity to home (near by), and some key professors that taught there.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Ben Hartley: Oil Paint by far. I am able to move the paint around just I image in it in my head. IO have a good window of time to work with the material before it dries up on me. There is also something nice about the great history that comes with Oil Painting.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Ben Hartley: I don't know if I have a direct philosophy, but I know that making paintings takes a lot of time. I will work till it gets done. My last body of work had me painting 6-10 hours a day...for 3 months. And I just literally carried the paintings into the gallery, while one was still wet.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Ben Hartley: That's a tough question, but I think overall, William Adolf Bouguereau. His care and ability to portray human flash is something I aspire to someday match.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Ben Hartley: Dennis Wojtkiewicz. He is my professor, but has a similar mentality that I greatly respect. His ability to see and understand color has moved my work to a place I never guessed to be at.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Ben Hartley: My relationship with Jesus. I guess it sounds cheesy but it has greatly influenced my work. Beyond that, My love for people. I mean I am a figure painter, and I couldn't imagine painting anything as much as I do when painting People

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Ben Hartley: I would honestly love to just make paintings, and sell them. I'm going to try the whole gallery scene and see how that goes. I also would greatly enjoy to teach at a college level. Once I graduate, I'm going to take a year or two off, before heading off to grad school to get my masters.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Ben Hartley: Well I take out loans. But I have not had to put myself in a whole lot of debt. I have received multiple scholarships for my talent, and grades. I work a summer job to help offset things during the school year. And I do sell much of my work which has been wonderful.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Ben Hartley: Yes: Alvord-Little Fine Arts Scholarship; Incoming Talent Scholarship; Freshman Art Scholarship; Sophomore Art Scholarship; Junior Art Scholarship.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Ben Hartley: My professor. He posted information about it for our class.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Ben Hartley: Making work is not cheap by any means, that stacked on top of attending college with all the bills that living also brings. It has helped to allow me to pour into my work the materials it deserves. I am now better able to not only purchase the paints that I was needing, but also continue to put my work out there. To submit my work to juried shows, magazines, etc.

Fine Art Finals: Has any opportunities presented themselves as a result of winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Ben Hartley: Not that I know of just yet. But I certainly wouldn't be surprised. In other circumstances when placing in competitions similar to this, it has accounted for many sales of my work.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Ben Hartley: Make work that you enjoy. I feel like in academic settings, especially Undergraduate degrees, its all about an assignment, or what “Art” should look like. But if you have not already experienced it yet, if you don't make work that you are excited to pour 40 hours a week into, your soul, and your work will deaden; and that sucks.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Ben. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

The Breakdown with Chris Scamehorn

2009-03-24T02:52:00.005-05:00

Chris Scamehorn, from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, an Honorable Mention winning the $50 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with his 138"x148"x150" ceramic, local clay, shale, and grouts sculpture The Breakdown and the Transition pictured above. Chris was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Chris Scamehorn: I have to create art in order to understand myself within the multiple facets of life. Through the process of focusing on a thought and seeing it materialize, these manifestations realized have opened my eyes inside.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Chris Scamehorn: My work is a reflection of my environment and is influenced by natural curiosities. Through researching the local geology and locating kaolin , I have utilized the clay to be a foundation of my work. Some of my investigations have been about the characteristics of the clay itself, other times its about creating works that reflect on the oddities of the environment by simulating the environment or by stimulating the environment with installations.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Chris Scamehorn: Ever since I was born.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Chris Scamehorn: Yes.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Chris Scamehorn: Fine Art- because of the overall process.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Chris Scamehorn: Ceramics.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Chris Scamehorn: Assistantships, professors, other students work.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Chris Scamehorn: Because of ceramics.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Chris Scamehorn: Ceramics- because it is the earth.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Chris Scamehorn: I am interested in being curious and engaged by what im doing. If it becomes mundane, then I move on.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Chris Scamehorn: Consciousness, because without it, I wouldn't be able to answer these questions.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Chris Scamehorn: The wind, because of its ability to change without judgment or fear.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Chris Scamehorn: Music and cooking food.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Chris Scamehorn: Teaching college level ceramics,, workshops, and /or artist residencies.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Chris Scamehorn: Assistantships- full tuition waiver plus a monthly living wage stipend.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Chris Scamehorn: Yep- I received a 2 week full scholarship to Ox Bow in Saugatuck, MI to do ceramics.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Chris Scamehorn: One of my professors e-mailed it to me.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Chris Scamehorn: It feels good.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Chris Scamehorn: Just do it.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Chris. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

2008 Midwest Artwork Posted

2009-01-23T05:02:00.005-06:00

Click (here) to see

The Best of the Midwest 2008.

2008 Midwest Winners Announced

2009-01-23T05:00:00.002-06:00

The Fine Art Finals Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the Winners of the 2nd Annual 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Region Collegiate Scholarship Competition has been posted on the Fine Art Finals website (here). Congratulations Artists!

2008 Midwest Finalists Announced

2009-01-12T13:16:00.002-06:00

The Fine Art Finals Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the Finalists of the 2nd Annual 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Region Collegiate Scholarship Competition has been posted on the Fine Art Finals website (here). Emails have been sent to all finalists. Winners will be announced on January 23, 2009. Artwork will be posted once we recieve the digital files from the Finalists and Winners for posting.

2008 Midwest Collegiate Competition - CLOSED

2008-12-13T10:38:00.006-06:00

The 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition
is now CLOSED.

Keep posted to our website and blog for the results of this competition.

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: January 12, 2009

Notification of Winners by E-mail: January 23, 2009

Scholarships mailed to Winners: February 9, 2009

Thank you to everyone who submitted, and Good Luck.

COUNTDOWN

2008-12-02T10:46:00.010-06:00

All entries into the 2008 Midwest Scholarship Competition

must be postmarked no later than

Friday, December 12, 2008:

"Hitting a High Note" with Katherine Hannan

2008-11-30T17:35:00.007-06:00

Katherine Hannan from North Central College in Illinois was the Third Place Winner of the $300 Scholarship Award in the 2007 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her 13.25"x17.75" Colored Pencil drawing Hitting a High Note pictured above. Katherine was also a finalist in the the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her 24"x30" acrylic painting Jazz Trio pictured below.

Katherine was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Katherine Hannan: Through art, I can capture a moment or express an idea in a way that nothing else can. While completing a piece of artwork gives me a sense of accomplishment, it is more rewarding to share my art with others and experience their reactions. For me, that is the best part of creating art. Sharing a piece of myself and seeing others’ responses allows me to better understand myself, those around me, and the purpose of my work.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Katherine Hannan: This varies with the piece. Sometimes I am trying to express an emotion, such as worry or joy. Other times I work to illustrate an abstract idea, either through abstract art or simply by freezing a moment in time. I enjoy realistically depicting an event while trying to emphasize the emotions attached to it in a subtle way.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Katherine Hannan: I have loved to draw for as long as I can remember; art has always been an integral part of who I am. Yet, as I mature, I become more conscious of attaching meaning to my work, and the effect I can have on others.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Katherine Hannan: Yes. I have always had a very strong support network in my family and friends. They see that I enjoy my art, and so they encourage me to continue to engage in it.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Katherine Hannan: I am most interested in fine art, because I enjoy creating pieces for people to enjoy. I feel that fine art allows me the most freedom to do this.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Katherine Hannan: Currently, my major is Studio Art, but I am looking to add a Business major, most likely Accounting. I am choosing this combination because while I am fascinated by art, I do not wish to make it my only career. I feel an Accounting background will not only help me secure a job after graduation, but also give me a very useful understanding of business. This will be helpful in the future, because I hope to eventually own a small business.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Katherine Hannan: I selected North Central College based on its approach to education. It is a liberal arts school, and this appealed to me because it encourages a well-rounded education. I am learning about everything from sulfur to supply and demand while also developing general skills, such as a good work ethic. Additionally, the trimester system along with program flexibility allows me to take classes from any department while maintaining focus on one or two disciplines.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Katherine Hannan: I chose Studio Art because it encompasses a wide variety of techniques and will therefore allow me to expand my horizons. By being involved in North Central’s Art program, I am able to experiment with new media and techniques while receiving personal instruction from my professors.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Katherine Hannan: I love drawing with anything, especially ink, but lately acrylic paints have caught my interest. I love the brilliant color that they can achieve. I also like the fact that they are so versatile; I can change a piece as many times as I want without losing its clean appearance.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Katherine Hannan: Whenever I start a piece, I put everything into it. I usually start with an image that is important or interesting to me, then work to express the emotions behind the picture. As a general rule, I aim for technical perfection. Since entering college, I have come up against much more difficult deadlines and assignments than I dealt with in high school. This has taught me to work quickly without sacrificing too much quality. Careful attention to detail, however, is still intrinsic to my work, so I often continue to slowly alter pieces of work after they have been turned in for credit.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Katherine Hannan: This changes almost daily, but one constant favorite is M.C. Escher. I am so fascinated by the detail in his work. His pieces draw the observer in, and I could spend hours looking at every minute feature. Lately I have become interested in Kerry James Marshall, based on the way he thoroughly expresses ideas in his realistic yet collage-like paintings.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Katherine Hannan: The greatest influences on my technical style have probably been my teachers throughout the years. They, along with my parents and other elders, have taught me to work hard and always do the best job possible. One of my favorite quotes is “All art is but an imitation of nature.” Below the surface, my ultimate influence would have to be the ultimate artist—God, the Creator. It was His creativity that led to everything around me, including the creativity in myself. He is in it all. The beauty, spontaneity, and intricacy of life are my true inspiration.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Katherine Hannan: I have innumerable interests beyond art…really, I am interested in everything! Any new knowledge fascinates me, and any event in my life has the potential to affect my art. Recently, my boyfriend has become intrigued by the prospect of opening a small restaurant. We therefore spend lots of time checking out existing restaurants and related aspects, from busy kitchens to stressed-out chefs to restaurant design to happily dining customers. These discoveries have shown up in much of my recent art. Music has also been integral in my life since my youth, and so I have also become fascinated with attempting to recreate feelings of music in my art.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Katherine Hannan: As of right now, I have no specific art-related career path in mind. I will always create art, no matter what my occupation. I have considered Art Education, perhaps later in life, as well as a small art shop or studio. Time will tell.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Katherine Hannan: My parents and I share the burden of financing my education. They pay for half of tuition as well as room and board, while I pay for the other half of tuition and books. I earn the money for my payments by working at the family business, my dad’s small grocery store. As my mom is currently starting up her own private accounting practice, I will probably soon enter a second job assisting her.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Katherine Hannan: Yes. The major reason I am able to attend North Central College is a Presidential Scholarship, as well as an Art Scholarship, that together account for a great deal of my tuition.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Katherine Hannan: During my freshman year at North Central, my Drawing I professor, Barry Skurkis, informed all art students of the competition.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Katherine Hannan: The monetary award was a big help in paying for school. Also, seeing my work on the website gave me more confidence in my work, a less tangible reward.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Katherine Hannan: I would tell any student artist to really focus on what they want to express with their art. The technical aspects come from much practice and a commitment to improve, and I think that motivation can only come from the true desire to express something bigger than you. Another practical piece of advice is to listen to your professors. As an artist, it can be hard to take criticism because we all want to do things our way, but the truth is, you can’t really improve without some sort of instruction. Perhaps some professors only want you to do things their way, or maybe you do not agree with their attitudes, but don’t focus on the negative. Aim to find the good advice in their instruction, and occasionally try something that you absolutely do not want to do. If nothing else, you will learn for sure what you do not like! Take every challenge, because changing a technique or correcting a mistake does not mean you are not being true to your artistic purpose. On the contrary, you are expanding the very core of yourself as an artist: your creativity.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Katherine. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Interview with Travis Rhett Ivey

2008-11-26T00:05:00.006-06:00

Travis Rhett Ivey from the University of Wyoming was the Third Place Winner of the $300 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals West/Southwest Regional Scholarship Competition with his 52"x36" Oil on Linen painting Sweetwater Station (Behind the Rest Area) pictured above. Travis was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art? What are you trying to say with your art?

Travis Ivey: I create art because, I guess it is always something I've done, I've just now found my true vocation as a painter. With my art I am representing the landscape as I experience it. I want people to see and feel the Wyoming landscape as I see and feel it.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Travis Ivey: I wrote graffiti for years before I finally decided to try painting the landscape. I've been painting in a representational style for 4 years.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Travis Ivey: My family and friends are very supportive. On Christmas day I used to take my entire family on tours around my town to show them my latest graffiti.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Travis Ivey: My area of concentration is definately fine art. I do have a lot of training in 20th century art history and am very aware of what is happening in contemporary art and the market.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major? What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending? Also, why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Travis Ivey: Fine art major. The University of Wyoming was my only choice because they awarded me with a scholarship and have an amazing undergraduate program. They teach art theory but also, push us to develop strong fundamentals and craftsmanship.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Travis Ivey: Oil paint is my favorite medium because it reflects light so much better than acrylic and its easy to control.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Travis Ivey: My philosophy right now is to continue to observe light and color and to find solutions in representing those aspects of painting. Also, to never be completely satisfied with a painting, and to always consider myself as a student. I want to continue to grow and progress and not limit myself to specific subjects or genre.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why; what artist most influences your work and why?

Travis Ivey: I have a lot of favorite artists, especially graffiti artists. The extent to which certain graffiti writers have pushed the medium like KING 157 and MBER - both freight writers. Dutch realists and the Hudson River School artists (especially Frederic Church) are a huge influence on my current work. I love the contemporary landscape paintings by James Doolin, Woody Gwynn and Don Stinson, and also work by master wildlife painter Carl Rungius.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Travis Ivey: Long drives on Wyoming back roads and golf are my interests outside of art, and the long drives are really what inspires a lot of my work. Golf is just a great game and a great way to meet people.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Travis Ivey: My plan is to work as a professional artist with gallery representation.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college? Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Travis Ivey: I supported myself in college by applying for federal Pell grants & scholarships, working at a coffee shop, and selling my paintings.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Travis Ivey: An email from my art department here at the University of Wyoming informed me of the Fine Art Finals competition.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Travis Ivey: The monetary award given by Fine Art Finals helped me buy some gas this summer.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Travis Ivey: Advice.... I tell other artists to do what they believe in and to listen to everyone's suggestions but only heed the ones that they believe will help them. Always be a student and always follow your heart.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Travis. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Introducing Photography!

2008-11-03T01:39:00.006-06:00

Due to the overwhelming response from college professors and students from our previous competitions, Fine Art Finals is proud to introduce Photography, both traditional and digital formats, into our 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Scholarship Competition. We look forward to this years photographic submissions into our competition, along with all other art media described on our Call for Entries.

2008 Midwest "CALL FOR ENTRIES"

2008-11-03T01:18:00.014-06:00

Now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual Midwest Fine Art Finals Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition

Attention all Associate, Bachelor, and Masters Degree candidates with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at a Midwest Regional public or private college or university. No matter what major, if you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals Midwest Scholarship Competition.

Media accepted into Midwest Collegiate Regional Scholarship Competition include:

Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
Photography - traditional and digital.
Digital Art - please see information page for details
Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details

Scholarship Awards:
First Place: $1200
Second Place: $600
Third Place: $300
Two Honorable Mentions: $50

Download Collegiate Entry Form & Poster - here

Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, December 12, 2008

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: January 12, 2009
Notification of Winners by E-mail: January 23, 2009
Scholarships mailed to Winners: February 9, 2009

Midwest Region includes the following States:

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,
North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, & Wisconsin

To view previous Finalists and Winners, including those of the First Annual Midwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition of 2007, click here

Article on 2007 Midwest Finalist

2008-11-03T01:04:00.005-06:00

While updating our website for the present Midwest Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition, we came across this article on the web from the Salina Journal's Salina.com. This article recognizes Noah Flores of Bethany College in Kansas for being named one of our 17 Finalists for his 18"x44" Oil on Canvas painting "Burning Sunset" chosen in the First Annual Fine Art Finals Midwest Scholarship Competition in 2007.

Congratulations again to Noah, and to his continued success! You can read the entire article - here

Welcome to Fine Art Finals Blog

2008-10-07T02:25:00.005-05:00

Thank you for visiting the Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions Blog. Check back for updates, news, artist interviews, and information on upcoming "Calls for Entries." You can view Finalist and Winning Artwork from previous competitions on our website.