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Young Masters Juried Art Exhibition 2019

Thursday, March 28, 2019 4:00 PM - Thursday, April 11, 2019 8:00 PM
The Grace Museum
102 Cypress Street Abilene, TX 79601


Abilene Education Foundation (AEF) is proud to present the 12th Annual AEF Young Masters Juried Art Exhibition, which will run from March 29-April 13, 2019 at The Grace Museum in downtown Abilene. The artwork will then be displayed at Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union, 3849 Antilley Road from April 17-May 18, 2019.

The awards ceremony is open by invitation to students and their parents, area art educators, community art supporters, and the media. The ceremony is set for Thursday, March 28, 2019, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at The Grace Museum. 

The juried art competition offers an opportunity for every Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art student in Abilene ISD to submit artwork for a chance to earn a spot in a museum exhibition. Those selected for the exhibition then compete for valuable college scholarships. The exhibition is a collaborative effort by AEF, Abilene ISD, and The Grace Museum and will feature works from 42 students. All paintings and photography for the show have been professionally framed. The goals of the exhibition are to celebrate young master artists and their dedicated teachers for demonstrating excellence in artistic expression and education and to recognize that outstanding artistic expression with a quality museum exhibition. A combined total of $8,500 in scholarships will be awarded to the top winners, including Best in Show. Additionally, two special scholarships will be awarded in honor of the beloved retired art teacher Martha Kiel, who taught in AISD for 34 years. 

A color catalog will be presented to all artists selected for the show so they will have permanent documentation for their portfolio. The students will also be able to use the catalog and professional photography of their work as an important part of their college application submissions if they choose to pursue higher education in visual arts. AP Studio Art teachers for AISD are Amanda Baldwin, Jason Clements, Sherry Griffith, Elizabeth Joy, Melody Kennedy, and April Rifenburgh. Final judging for this year’s event was by professional artist and designer Patrick Gabriel originally from Chicago, but who now lives and works in Fort Worth. A high school teacher inspired him to pursue art at a young age. Funding for Young Masters comes from several individuals, foundations, and corporations, including a grant from HeArts for the Arts with the Abilene Cultural Arts Affairs Council. 

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