HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (March 10, 2021) – Some of the most gifted young artists in Sumner County are coming to the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) in Hendersonville, Tenn. The 45th Annual James B. Hawkins Sumner County Student Art Show runs April 11 to May 2, 2021 and will feature more than 100 works in a variety of media. This year’s exhibition is staged in collaboration with Nossi College of Art, which will award scholarships to the show’s top prizewinners.
“We are thrilled to showcase the works of these talented young artists,” says MACC Executive Director and CEO Cheryl Strichik. “Arts education is a cornerstone of the MACC’s mission, so presenting the Student Art Show is one of the most important things we do all year. Our partners at Nossi College of Art feel just as strongly about the importance of art in the lives of our students.”
The James B. Hawkins Sumner County Student Art Show is open to all Sumner County middle and high school art students, and each year approximately 75 students display their best pieces at the MACC. Independent art experts are brought in to evaluate the students’ art, and prizes are awarded. This year’s distinguished panel of judges include Ted Rose, chairman of the art department at Cumberland University; Lois Riggins-Ezzell, director emeritus of the Tennessee State Museum; and Leigh Hendry, curator for Park West Gallery.
Student Art Show prizes include top awards for “Winning Art Department” and “Best in Show,” along with First, Second, and Third Place ribbons and cash prizes for painting, sculpture, drawing, and mixed media. This year, students will also be eligible to submit works in two new media categories: photography and digital art. Participating middle school and high school art teachers will also receive recognition and cash prizes, and a new “Director’s Pick” award will be given for the first time.
Nossi College of Art has been a major sponsor and partner for the Student Art Show for the past several years. Cyrus Vatandoost, executive vice president of Nossi College of Art, commended this year’s student artists for rising to the occasion during difficult times.
“This show is an important opportunity for our community to feature the incredible talents of local students who have continued to create despite the adversities of the past year,” Vatandoost says. “As the only private art college in Tennessee for aspiring creative professionals, we’re proud to contribute to the educational pursuits of these students by donating scholarships for the third year in a row.”
Nossi will award a $4,400 scholarship to the student who wins this year’s “Best in Show” prize. The student who wins the “Director’s Pick” award along with all First-Place winners will receives scholarships of $2,200.
An opening reception and awards ceremony will take place at the MACC on Sunday, April 11. The reception for middle school students and families will be from 1 to 2 p.m., and for high school students and their families from 4 to 5 p.m.
Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center is conveniently located off Gallatin Pike just three miles east of Rivergate Mall. The place serves as a haven for the arts, hosting major art exhibitions throughout the year. It also offers classes and summer camps on art and film for children and adults. Monthaven Mansion is available to rent for weddings, receptions, showers, corporate team-building classes, and private parties. For more information, visit www.monthavenartsandculturalcenter.com or call (615) 822-0789.