Artists Shine and Win Big at National Arts Program® Ceremony

The DFW art community gathered April 28 at the Rental Car Center for the Fifth Annual National Arts Program® Employee Awards Ceremony.

 

This year’s National Arts Program® exhibition received 120 entries from 74 participants. DFW employees, volunteers and their immediate family members were eligible to enter under one of five classifications: amateur, intermediate, professional, youth or teen.

 

A pool of three local judges (a professional photographer, a professional artist and an affiliate of the Nasher Sculpture Center) selected the winning entries in each classification.

DFW CEO Jeff Fegan presented each winner with a certificate and cash awards ranging from $375 to $50. But before Fegan commenced with announcing the winners, he presented a surprise award from The National Arts Program® to art program specialist and program organizer Guy Bruggeman. The award recognized the Airport’s five year collaboration with the National Arts Program® and a letter from the program’s Executive Director commended Bruggeman for his dedication.

 

“It’s a lot of hard work that goes into the exhibition and the awards ceremony,” said Bruggeman. “But it’s a labor of love that I look forward to performing every year.”

 

With a huge smile, Bruggeman watched as Fegan congratulated each winner.

 

“I feel that this year’s artworks were some of the best pieces I have seen,” said Bruggeman. “It’s amazing to see many of the artists who have participated almost every year continually getting better and better.”

 

Uche Amadi from parking operations won in two categories with a first place win in the professional category and a win for Best in Medium – Painting. Richard Perry from airport operations won Best in Show for a drawing of his grandson Braeden.

 

Every year, photography is the most popular medium entered and this year, made up about a third of the winners. Bruggeman has a theory explaining photography’s popularity.

 

“Since we are affiliated with an airport, many of our artists travel nationally and internationally and take pictures to remind them of their trip,” said Bruggeman. “The photos entered in our exhibition may remind them of a special occasion but to us they are telling a story.”

 

Click here for a complete list of this year’s winners and to learn more about the National Arts Program® visit http://www.nationalartsprogram.org/venues/dallasfort-worth-international-airport-tx.

 

Article Courtesy of DFW International Airport