By Matthew Harris
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – The 49th Annual Student Art Show opened April 13 in the Marlin Art Gallery at Camden County College in Blackwood. The show, which will continue to May 13, features projects that students have worked on in the fall 2015 and spring 2016 semesters.
Noel Mercer stands with her work, Self Portrait: Shame. By Matthew Harris, CCC Journalism Program
An artists reception took place April 13. That evening, visitors got to meet the artists whose works are featured in the show. The reception included live music performed by Camden County College students and free food for all to enjoy. Relatives and friends of the students attended in support of the students’ efforts.
This year’s show includes 85 pieces of art. Some students entered more than one piece. From the 85 pieces, a pair of judges chose 10 winners in these categorize: best in film, best in sculpture, best in painting, best in drawing, best in ceramics, best in photography, second runner-up, first runner-up and best in show.
The first-place winner was Noel Mercer for her painting, Self-portrait: Shame. “It was such an honor for me to win this award, I really didn’t expect it,” Mercer said.
“This painting is about body image and how you shouldn’t be afraid to show off your body,” Mercer said. “This painting took me about three hours to do. It was a long process.”
Mercer has been going to Camden County College for two years and is looking to move on to an art school in Philadelphia to further her education and do more creative works.
The student art show will continue through May 13 in the Marlin Art Gallery in Lincoln Hall on the Camden County College Blackwood campus. The gallery will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday.