Mercyhurst Honors Student Artists

Student artists from Mercyhurst University received special awards for their work in the annual Student Juried Art Show.

This year’s juror, Erie native and noted artist Ann Magenau, selected 54 vibrant, lively works from 35 artists. The pieces, full of color, feature life in all forms – plant, animal and human. Mercyhurst University Purchase Awards were presented to:

John Thiede, for “Findley Lake, NY,” iPhone photography on sheet metal;

Caitlin Ewing, for “Insomniac’s Depression,” digital photography;

Kathryn LeVan, for “Yellow,” oil on canvas;

April Alfieri, for “Teapot,” ceramic.

Receiving Honorable Mentions were:

Samantha Strathearn, for “Reflection,” charcoal on paper;

Garrett Erwin, for “Rocky Chair”, stone on board;

Jennifer Detchon, for “Bast Teapot,” ceramic;

Giovanna Thompson, for “What Lies Underneath,” digital collage;

Rachel Playso, for “Salt & Pepper Shakers,” oil on canvas;

Andrea Amroski, for “Laura,” photography;

Katelyn Cecchetti, for “I’m Still Here,” oil on canvas.

Magenau selected multiple entries by the following artists: Rodolfo Claros, Rachel Playso, Shelby Yukevich and Cameron DeMarco.

A variety of media is represented in the exhibition. There is a strong showing of ceramics featuring innovative teapots and lifelike ceramic footwear such as Karma Smith’s well-worn cowboy boot titled “I’m a Texan.” The show features both traditional black-and-white and digital photography, notably, Thiede’s serene image “Findley Lake, NY” printed on sheet metal taken with his iPhone.

Students take pencil to paper and capture their subjects with confidence and mastery such as Kirsten Rambo’s “Teddy Bear” and with charcoal, Strathearn’s self-portrait, “Reflection.” DeMarco’s mixed media paintings are bright and eye-catching while Playso’s still life works are elegant renderings with saturated color.

The Juried Student Art Show remains in the university’s Cummings Gallery through March 17. Cummings Gallery is located in the lobby of the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. The show will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 2 to 5 p.m. The gallery will be closed during the university’s spring term break from Feb. 21-March 3. For more information, call 814-824-2092.