By Cindy Son
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD — The Best in Film award was given out for the first time at the 46th Annual Visual Arts Student Exhibition at the Marlin Art Gallery at Camden County College on April 16.
Students, families and friends visit the Marlin Art Gallery to see the student exhibition. By Cindy Son, CCC Journalism Program
All eight films that were submitted were produced by students in their first academic year. “Tasting the Rainbow” won Best in Film, and Samantha Hitman, editor, accepted the award at the opening reception.
Greg Brellochs, assistant professor in the Visual Arts Department, announced the other winners from each category at 6 p.m. The winner of Best in Sculpture was Sarah Beard. Best in Painting winner was Anthony Tropello. Best in Photography winner was Ashley Carr.
Best in Ceramics winner was Marianne Schell. An honorable mention was given to Nina Valdera for her piece “Happy Feet.” The winner of Best in Drawing and Best in Show was Kamarie Shelley for her piece titled “Reflections,” a collection of portraits drawn in pencil of people who have made an impact on her life.
“It’s a collage of my life,” Shelley said. “The most challenging part was trying to capture their spirits and convey it into a drawing.”
She started the piece in November. “Reflections” was the final piece for her Drawing II class, and Shelley will be graduating from Camden County College this spring. Shelley has participated in the exhibition for the last three years.
Other students who were first-time participants in the exhibition included Jessica Borden, who submitted her piece titled “Cosmic Henna,” made out of plaster and tiles, which took her several weeks to finish.
“The student exhibit was exciting, and I plan on participating next year,” Borden said.
Refreshments such as hot coffee, tea and bottled water were served. A variety of food was served to students, families and friends, such as stuffed mushrooms, cheese platters, asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, wraps with portabella mushrooms, sugar and chocolate chip cookies, at 5 p.m.
“I’m very pleased with the turnout of the exhibit, plenty of friends and families were here,” said Therese Marlin, art director of the Marlin Art Gallery.
Sixty-nine pieces of art were submitted for the exhibition. Some pieces are available for sale, some not for sale, and the prices for other pieces are available on request. The exhibit continues until May 16.