See 'HVAC for the Face' and the other winners in the 'On Our Own Time' art competition

A sculpture of a face mask that resembles a birdhouse crossed with a furnace filter took top honors in the 11th annual "On Our Own Time" art exhibit and competition.

The best in show award was given to "HVAC for the Face" by Allen Shapiro, technical director for Arizona Arts Live, which was one of nearly 200 entries across five categories.

This was the first time that "On Our Own Time" was held on an entirely virtual platform.

"While we certainly missed seeing the artists and their talents in person, the online exhibit has allowed us to reach even more people," said Pamela Wagner, an administrative associate in the UA RISE Health and Wellness Center, who has helped coordinate the exhibit since 2017.

With entries from as far away as Houston, she said, the geographic representation was more diverse than ever.

"On Our Own Time" showcases paintings, photos, sculptures and other art works created by University employees, retirees, volunteers and their family members. It is coordinated by the University's Employee Recognition Committee and is sponsored by the National Arts Program, which provides materials and funding for awards. Participating artists are competing for cash prizes in five categories: professional, intermediate, amateur, teen and youth.

"One artist shared with me that they really appreciated the 'On Our Own Time' art exhibit because it had encouraged her to try drawing for the very first time," Wagner said. "She was bored and lonely due to the pandemic restrictions and creating an entry for this show helped to see her through. As Pablo Picasso once said, 'Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.'"