West/Southwest 2009 Winners Announced

The Winners of the 2009 West/Southwest Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Artwork will be posted soon.

View the W/SW Winner & Finalist list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Winners. Congratulations to all the Winners, Finalists, and thank you to all who entered!

West/Southwest 2009 Finalists Announced

The Finalists of the 2009 West/Southwest Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Winners will be announced on June 15, 2009, and artwork will be posted soon after.

View the W/SW Finalists list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Finalists. Congratulations to all the Finalists, and thank you to all who entered!

IL HS Winners Announced

The Winners of the 2009 Illinois High School Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Congratulations to all Winners and Finalists! Artwork will be posted soon. Awards will be sent in the mail June 1st, 2009.

View the IL HS Winner & Finalist list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Winners and their High Schools. Thank you to all who participated.

IL HS Finalists Announced

The Finalists of the 2009 Illinois High School Scholarship Competition have been posted to our website. Winners will be announced on May 22, 2009, and artwork will be posted soon after.

View the IL HS Finalists list - here

All emails have been sent notifying the Finalists and their High Schools. Congratulations to the Finalists!

Fine Art Finals now on TWITTER

Fine Art Finals is NOW on TWITTER! Please visit our TWITTER page and FOLLOW Fine Art Finals for the all news, updates, calls for entry, deadlines, artist interviews, and more! Click HERE to add fineARTfinals to your Twitter Follow List.

SPRING 09 Competitions Closed

Both the 2009 Collegiate West/Southwest Competition and the 2009 Illinois High School Competition are closed. Please check our website for results: here

Last Day to Postmark Entries for Collegiate W/SW

Just a reminder that TODAY, Friday May 8th, is the last day to submit entries into the West/Southwest Scholarship Competition. All entries must be postmarked no later than today's date:

Collegiate Deadline:
Must be Postmarked by Friday, May 8, 2009

For Entry Forms and Entry Info, visit our website - here

So Hurry and get your entries to the Post Office TODAY!

Last Day to Postmark Entries for IL High Schools

Just a reminder that TODAY, Friday May 8th, is the last day to submit entries into the Illinois High School Scholarship Competition. All entries must be postmarked no later than today's date:

High School Deadline:
Must be Postmarked by Friday, May 8, 2009

For Entry Forms and Entry Info, visit our website - here

So Hurry and get your entries to the Post Office TODAY!

West/Southwest Collegiate Deadline Appoaching

Just a reminder that the West/Southwest Scholarship Competition is approaching its entry deadline:

Collegiate Deadline:
Must be Postmarked by Friday, May 8, 2009

For Entry Forms and Entry Info, visit our website - here

Illinois High School Deadline Approaching

Just a reminder that the Illinois High School Scholarship Competition is approaching its entry deadline:

High School Deadline:
Must be Postmarked by Friday, May 8, 2009

For Entry Forms and Entry Info, visit our website - here

Congratulations Rebecca Green, once again!

We just found out that our 2008 Midwest Collegiate First Place Winner of the $1200 Scholarship Award, Rebecca Green and her winning 11"x14" oil painting Tower of Learning pictured above, was also recently chosen for the Arthur Zankel Memorial Award in the 2009 Society of Illustrators Student Scholarship Competition for the same piece. Congratulations again on your continued success!

Read Rebecca Green's Interview here

Introducing Photography!

Due to the overwhelming response from college professors and students from our previous competitions, Fine Art Finals is proud to introduce Photography, both traditional and digital formats, into our 2009 West/Southwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition and our 2009 Illinois High School Scholarship Competition. Photography was first introduced in our 2008 Midwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition, (finalist and winners can be seen here). We look forward to this years photographic submissions into our competition, along with all other art media described on our Collegiate and High School Calls for Entries.

2009 West/Southwest Collegiate "Call for Entries"

Now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual West/Southwest Fine Art Finals Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition

Attention all Associate, Bachelor, and Masters Degree candidates with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at a West/Southwest Regional public or private college or university. No matter what major, if you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals West/Southwest Scholarship Competition.

Media accepted into West/Southwest Collegiate Regional Scholarship Competition include:

• Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
• Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
• Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
• Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
• Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
• Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
• Photography - traditional and digital.
• Digital Art - please see information page for details
• Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details
  

Collegiate Scholarship Awards:
First Place: $1200
Second Place: $600
Third Place: $300
Two Honorable Mentions: $50

Download Collegiate Entry Form & Poster - here

Collegiate Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, May 8, 2009

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: June 8, 2009
Notification of Winners by E-mail: June 15, 2009
Scholarships mailed to Winners: July 3, 2009

West/Southwest Region includes the following States:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, & Wyoming

To view previous Finalists and Winners, including those of the First Annual West/Southwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition of 2008, click here

2009 Illinois High School "Call for Entries"

Now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals Illinois High School Scholarship Competition

Attention all High School Students with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at an Illinois public or private High School or College Preparatory School. If you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals Illinois High School Scholarship Competition. Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are eligible.

Media accepted into Illinois High School Scholarship Competition include:

• Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
• Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
• Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
• Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
• Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
• Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
• Photography - traditional and digital.
• Digital Art - please see information page for details
• Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details
  

High School Scholarship Awards:

First Place: $500 to Student &
$250 to School Art Program

Second Place: $250 to Student &
$125 to School Art Program

Third Place: $125 to Student &
$50 to School Art Program

Download 2009 Illinois High School Entry Form & Poster - here

High School Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, May 8, 2009

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: May 15, 2009
Notification of Winners by E-mail: May 22, 2009
Scholarships mailed to Winners: June 1, 2009

View last year's 2008 Illinois High School Finalists & Winners - here

Learning with Rebecca Green

Rebecca Green from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in Michigan was the First Place Winner of the $1200 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her 11"x14" oil painting Tower of Learning pictured above. Rebecca was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Rebecca Green: I feel most like myself when I am doing it. I find an immense amount of joy when someone is moved or affected by the work that my hands can make.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Rebecca Green: As an illustrator, I have no huge concepts, but I hope to someday portray someone else’s narrative. When I am doing my own work, I love to create worlds that are a bit off-key and skewed in a comical sort of quirky way. I think my illustrations tend to make people happy, and I like that.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Rebecca Green: Literally since I can remember. I had a drawing of a mermaid published in the school newspaper in kindergarten and I knew from then on that I loved to do it.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Rebecca Green: At first my mother was a bit hesitant, but I think the farther I go into it, she started to see that it could really be a flourishing career for me. All of my other family members have always been very supportive, and most of my friends are artists, so we all support each other.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Rebecca Green: I am concentrating in commercial illustration, and have a minor in graphic design. I love to merge text and images, and this can be done in illustrations, or graphic design, sculpture, or even fine art, which I do all of. I think of myself as an artist, but hate to just focus on one aspect. It all makes me happy.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Rebecca Green: Honestly, it was cost. I would love to go out of state and study in a more competitive school, but I had to stick to a budget. After studying here for a while, I realized it was more about the portfolio than the school, so I am very self-motivated.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Rebecca Green: Illustration.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Rebecca Green: I started in graphic design because it was more stable, and the more I got into it, I realized most of my designs contained illustrations, I discovered my love for drawing was so intense, that it was worth risking that job security. So I switched to illustration.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Rebecca Green: Right now, I love doing line drawings. I love ink and graphite, but I enjoy oil too. Oil takes a while, so I don’t complete too many paintings, but I do enjoy it.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Rebecca Green: I have a very strong work ethic. I am kind of a perfectionist, and have a hard time limiting myself to the type of art I can create. I do more realistic work in my classes and more quirky stuff outside of class. I know to actually survive as an artist, it takes much more than what is asked of you, and I always have an urge to push myself.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Rebecca Green: Now this will sounds cliché, but Norman Rockwell for sure. He was an absolute genius illustrator in my opinion. His paintings are phenomenal. I am also a huge fan of Andrew Wyeth.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Rebecca Green: Right now, I am influenced by a lot of different artists. To name a couple, Chris Sickels of Red Nose Studio, Courtney Reagor, (Cant get enough of her) Ryan Graber, Jeffrey Hein (my goodness he is an amazing painter) and Greg Couch.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Rebecca Green: I used to do a little theatre, so that sort of “Show” world influences my work. I love shows, whether its theatre or dance, or carnivals or circuses. I love the quirky world of shows. I also love animals tremendously, and very much enjoy drawing them.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Rebecca Green: When I graduate, I hope to travel and see as much of the world as I can. I have been living in Michigan most of my life, and as an illustrator, I think it’s so important to see new things and keep fresh eyes. I hope to work from the road, sending work digitally, and enter my work in shows all over the country. It’s a big dream, but I think it could happen if I work my tail off.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Rebecca Green: I received scholarships and financial aid to cover the cost of school. I also work two jobs while going to school full time to keep up with the cost of living and supplies. I have had to take out student loans as well, which I will begin paying after graduation.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Rebecca Green: I received scholarships from the school I attend, as well as the Pell Grant, and other governmental awards and loans.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Rebecca Green: My life drawing teacher handed out the forms for it, he is pretty good at keeping us updated about competitions.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Rebecca Green: As far as the monetary award goes, it has definitely helped me in purchasing supplies, and having a better safety net just in case something may happen. It also has helped me in getting my name out there, making new contacts, and its also really great to have on my resume.

Fine Art Finals: Has any opportunities presented themselves as a result of winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Rebecca Green: I have made contacts with other students in different schools, which is always nice. Its always great to discuss schools with other students, because each one can be so different than the other.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Rebecca Green: To feed off of competition. And if you can’t find it in your school, search outside resources. Always be aware of what’s going on outside of school, learn from other artists, and compare yourself to them. Work to be as good as them, and perhaps someday you can surpass them. If you are going to take the risk of being an artist, go all the way. Always keep your eyes open for new shapes, colors, lines, details. Get inspired by small things, because they can turn into big ideas.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Rebecca. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Life with Ben Hartley

Ben Hartley, from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, was the Second Place Winner of the $600 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with his 38"x48" oil painting Life Will Go On pictured above. Ben was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Ben Hartley: I create art because I was first created. I greatly desire to see beauty, to be about beauty, to give to beauty. I think that's what creating is about.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Ben Hartley: Gosh, I'm trying to say a lot of things, I guess it depends on what series of work your asking about. The piece that you have selected is about the simple fact that no matter what problem we may face, None are to great to bring to God. Simply put, that life will go on.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Ben Hartley: Creating art? I guess since I was in 5th grade or so. But as far as my focus in Oil Paint in particular, I started my Junior year of High School. About 6 years ago.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Ben Hartley: Oh yes! It has been an awesome part of the whole experience. Not once have I been discouraged in my efforts to produce work. I have only been encouraged to do more.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Ben Hartley: I'm a fine artist. Its where I have found my niche, and have been happy stay there.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Ben Hartley: 2-D media with a specialization in Oil Painting.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Ben Hartley: 2-D media quickly became the media that I was best able to express and effectively communicate what I needed to. It just made sense..

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Ben Hartley: Cost, proximity to home (near by), and some key professors that taught there.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Ben Hartley: Oil Paint by far. I am able to move the paint around just I image in it in my head. IO have a good window of time to work with the material before it dries up on me. There is also something nice about the great history that comes with Oil Painting.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Ben Hartley: I don't know if I have a direct philosophy, but I know that making paintings takes a lot of time. I will work till it gets done. My last body of work had me painting 6-10 hours a day...for 3 months. And I just literally carried the paintings into the gallery, while one was still wet.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Ben Hartley: That's a tough question, but I think overall, William Adolf Bouguereau. His care and ability to portray human flash is something I aspire to someday match.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Ben Hartley: Dennis Wojtkiewicz. He is my professor, but has a similar mentality that I greatly respect. His ability to see and understand color has moved my work to a place I never guessed to be at.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Ben Hartley: My relationship with Jesus. I guess it sounds cheesy but it has greatly influenced my work. Beyond that, My love for people. I mean I am a figure painter, and I couldn't imagine painting anything as much as I do when painting People

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Ben Hartley: I would honestly love to just make paintings, and sell them. I'm going to try the whole gallery scene and see how that goes. I also would greatly enjoy to teach at a college level. Once I graduate, I'm going to take a year or two off, before heading off to grad school to get my masters.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Ben Hartley: Well I take out loans. But I have not had to put myself in a whole lot of debt. I have received multiple scholarships for my talent, and grades. I work a summer job to help offset things during the school year. And I do sell much of my work which has been wonderful.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Ben Hartley: Yes: Alvord-Little Fine Arts Scholarship; Incoming Talent Scholarship; Freshman Art Scholarship; Sophomore Art Scholarship; Junior Art Scholarship.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Ben Hartley: My professor. He posted information about it for our class.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Ben Hartley: Making work is not cheap by any means, that stacked on top of attending college with all the bills that living also brings. It has helped to allow me to pour into my work the materials it deserves. I am now better able to not only purchase the paints that I was needing, but also continue to put my work out there. To submit my work to juried shows, magazines, etc.

Fine Art Finals: Has any opportunities presented themselves as a result of winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Ben Hartley: Not that I know of just yet. But I certainly wouldn't be surprised. In other circumstances when placing in competitions similar to this, it has accounted for many sales of my work.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Ben Hartley: Make work that you enjoy. I feel like in academic settings, especially Undergraduate degrees, its all about an assignment, or what “Art” should look like. But if you have not already experienced it yet, if you don't make work that you are excited to pour 40 hours a week into, your soul, and your work will deaden; and that sucks.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Ben. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

The Breakdown with Chris Scamehorn

Chris Scamehorn, from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, an Honorable Mention winning the $50 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with his 138"x148"x150" ceramic, local clay, shale, and grouts sculpture The Breakdown and the Transition pictured above. Chris was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Chris Scamehorn: I have to create art in order to understand myself within the multiple facets of life. Through the process of focusing on a thought and seeing it materialize, these manifestations realized have opened my eyes inside.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Chris Scamehorn: My work is a reflection of my environment and is influenced by natural curiosities. Through researching the local geology and locating kaolin , I have utilized the clay to be a foundation of my work. Some of my investigations have been about the characteristics of the clay itself, other times its about creating works that reflect on the oddities of the environment by simulating the environment or by stimulating the environment with installations.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Chris Scamehorn: Ever since I was born.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Chris Scamehorn: Yes.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Chris Scamehorn: Fine Art- because of the overall process.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Chris Scamehorn: Ceramics.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Chris Scamehorn: Assistantships, professors, other students work.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Chris Scamehorn: Because of ceramics.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Chris Scamehorn: Ceramics- because it is the earth.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Chris Scamehorn: I am interested in being curious and engaged by what im doing. If it becomes mundane, then I move on.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Chris Scamehorn: Consciousness, because without it, I wouldn't be able to answer these questions.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Chris Scamehorn: The wind, because of its ability to change without judgment or fear.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Chris Scamehorn: Music and cooking food.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Chris Scamehorn: Teaching college level ceramics,, workshops, and /or artist residencies.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Chris Scamehorn: Assistantships- full tuition waiver plus a monthly living wage stipend.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Chris Scamehorn: Yep- I received a 2 week full scholarship to Ox Bow in Saugatuck, MI to do ceramics.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Chris Scamehorn: One of my professors e-mailed it to me.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Chris Scamehorn: It feels good.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Chris Scamehorn: Just do it.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Chris. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

2008 Midwest Artwork Posted

Click (here) to see

The Best of the Midwest 2008.

2008 Midwest Winners Announced

The Fine Art Finals Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the Winners of the 2nd Annual 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Region Collegiate Scholarship Competition has been posted on the Fine Art Finals website (here). Congratulations Artists!

2008 Midwest Finalists Announced

The Fine Art Finals Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the Finalists of the 2nd Annual 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Region Collegiate Scholarship Competition has been posted on the Fine Art Finals website (here). Emails have been sent to all finalists. Winners will be announced on January 23, 2009. Artwork will be posted once we recieve the digital files from the Finalists and Winners for posting.

2008 Midwest Collegiate Competition - CLOSED

The 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition
is now CLOSED.

Keep posted to our website and blog for the results of this competition.

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: January 12, 2009

Notification of Winners by E-mail: January 23, 2009

Scholarships mailed to Winners: February 9, 2009

Thank you to everyone who submitted, and Good Luck.

COUNTDOWN

All entries into the 2008 Midwest Scholarship Competition

must be postmarked no later than

Friday, December 12, 2008:

"Hitting a High Note" with Katherine Hannan

Katherine Hannan from North Central College in Illinois was the Third Place Winner of the $300 Scholarship Award in the 2007 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her 13.25"x17.75" Colored Pencil drawing Hitting a High Note pictured above. Katherine was also a finalist in the the 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Regional Scholarship Competition with her 24"x30" acrylic painting Jazz Trio pictured below.


Katherine was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what she said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art?

Katherine Hannan: Through art, I can capture a moment or express an idea in a way that nothing else can. While completing a piece of artwork gives me a sense of accomplishment, it is more rewarding to share my art with others and experience their reactions. For me, that is the best part of creating art. Sharing a piece of myself and seeing others’ responses allows me to better understand myself, those around me, and the purpose of my work.

Fine Art Finals: What are you trying to say with your art?

Katherine Hannan: This varies with the piece. Sometimes I am trying to express an emotion, such as worry or joy. Other times I work to illustrate an abstract idea, either through abstract art or simply by freezing a moment in time. I enjoy realistically depicting an event while trying to emphasize the emotions attached to it in a subtle way.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Katherine Hannan: I have loved to draw for as long as I can remember; art has always been an integral part of who I am. Yet, as I mature, I become more conscious of attaching meaning to my work, and the effect I can have on others.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Katherine Hannan: Yes. I have always had a very strong support network in my family and friends. They see that I enjoy my art, and so they encourage me to continue to engage in it.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Katherine Hannan: I am most interested in fine art, because I enjoy creating pieces for people to enjoy. I feel that fine art allows me the most freedom to do this.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major?

Katherine Hannan: Currently, my major is Studio Art, but I am looking to add a Business major, most likely Accounting. I am choosing this combination because while I am fascinated by art, I do not wish to make it my only career. I feel an Accounting background will not only help me secure a job after graduation, but also give me a very useful understanding of business. This will be helpful in the future, because I hope to eventually own a small business.

Fine Art Finals: What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending?

Katherine Hannan: I selected North Central College based on its approach to education. It is a liberal arts school, and this appealed to me because it encourages a well-rounded education. I am learning about everything from sulfur to supply and demand while also developing general skills, such as a good work ethic. Additionally, the trimester system along with program flexibility allows me to take classes from any department while maintaining focus on one or two disciplines.

Fine Art Finals: Why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Katherine Hannan: I chose Studio Art because it encompasses a wide variety of techniques and will therefore allow me to expand my horizons. By being involved in North Central’s Art program, I am able to experiment with new media and techniques while receiving personal instruction from my professors.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Katherine Hannan: I love drawing with anything, especially ink, but lately acrylic paints have caught my interest. I love the brilliant color that they can achieve. I also like the fact that they are so versatile; I can change a piece as many times as I want without losing its clean appearance.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Katherine Hannan: Whenever I start a piece, I put everything into it. I usually start with an image that is important or interesting to me, then work to express the emotions behind the picture. As a general rule, I aim for technical perfection. Since entering college, I have come up against much more difficult deadlines and assignments than I dealt with in high school. This has taught me to work quickly without sacrificing too much quality. Careful attention to detail, however, is still intrinsic to my work, so I often continue to slowly alter pieces of work after they have been turned in for credit.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why?

Katherine Hannan: This changes almost daily, but one constant favorite is M.C. Escher. I am so fascinated by the detail in his work. His pieces draw the observer in, and I could spend hours looking at every minute feature. Lately I have become interested in Kerry James Marshall, based on the way he thoroughly expresses ideas in his realistic yet collage-like paintings.

Fine Art Finals: What artist most influences your work and why?

Katherine Hannan: The greatest influences on my technical style have probably been my teachers throughout the years. They, along with my parents and other elders, have taught me to work hard and always do the best job possible. One of my favorite quotes is “All art is but an imitation of nature.” Below the surface, my ultimate influence would have to be the ultimate artist—God, the Creator. It was His creativity that led to everything around me, including the creativity in myself. He is in it all. The beauty, spontaneity, and intricacy of life are my true inspiration.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Katherine Hannan: I have innumerable interests beyond art…really, I am interested in everything! Any new knowledge fascinates me, and any event in my life has the potential to affect my art. Recently, my boyfriend has become intrigued by the prospect of opening a small restaurant. We therefore spend lots of time checking out existing restaurants and related aspects, from busy kitchens to stressed-out chefs to restaurant design to happily dining customers. These discoveries have shown up in much of my recent art. Music has also been integral in my life since my youth, and so I have also become fascinated with attempting to recreate feelings of music in my art.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Katherine Hannan: As of right now, I have no specific art-related career path in mind. I will always create art, no matter what my occupation. I have considered Art Education, perhaps later in life, as well as a small art shop or studio. Time will tell.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college?

Katherine Hannan: My parents and I share the burden of financing my education. They pay for half of tuition as well as room and board, while I pay for the other half of tuition and books. I earn the money for my payments by working at the family business, my dad’s small grocery store. As my mom is currently starting up her own private accounting practice, I will probably soon enter a second job assisting her.

Fine Art Finals: Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Katherine Hannan: Yes. The major reason I am able to attend North Central College is a Presidential Scholarship, as well as an Art Scholarship, that together account for a great deal of my tuition.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Katherine Hannan: During my freshman year at North Central, my Drawing I professor, Barry Skurkis, informed all art students of the competition.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Katherine Hannan: The monetary award was a big help in paying for school. Also, seeing my work on the website gave me more confidence in my work, a less tangible reward.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Katherine Hannan: I would tell any student artist to really focus on what they want to express with their art. The technical aspects come from much practice and a commitment to improve, and I think that motivation can only come from the true desire to express something bigger than you. Another practical piece of advice is to listen to your professors. As an artist, it can be hard to take criticism because we all want to do things our way, but the truth is, you can’t really improve without some sort of instruction. Perhaps some professors only want you to do things their way, or maybe you do not agree with their attitudes, but don’t focus on the negative. Aim to find the good advice in their instruction, and occasionally try something that you absolutely do not want to do. If nothing else, you will learn for sure what you do not like! Take every challenge, because changing a technique or correcting a mistake does not mean you are not being true to your artistic purpose. On the contrary, you are expanding the very core of yourself as an artist: your creativity.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Katherine. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Interview with Travis Rhett Ivey

Travis Rhett Ivey from the University of Wyoming was the Third Place Winner of the $300 Scholarship Award in the 2008 Fine Art Finals West/Southwest Regional Scholarship Competition with his 52"x36" Oil on Linen painting Sweetwater Station (Behind the Rest Area) pictured above. Travis was kind to take part in a brief interview. Here is what he said:

Fine Art Finals: Why do you create art? What are you trying to say with your art?

Travis Ivey: I create art because, I guess it is always something I've done, I've just now found my true vocation as a painter. With my art I am representing the landscape as I experience it. I want people to see and feel the Wyoming landscape as I see and feel it.

Fine Art Finals: How long have you been creating art?

Travis Ivey: I wrote graffiti for years before I finally decided to try painting the landscape. I've been painting in a representational style for 4 years.

Fine Art Finals: Are your family and friends supportive in your decision to pursue art?

Travis Ivey: My family and friends are very supportive. On Christmas day I used to take my entire family on tours around my town to show them my latest graffiti.

Fine Art Finals: What is your area of concentration in art (commercial art, fine art, art history, etc) and why?

Travis Ivey: My area of concentration is definately fine art. I do have a lot of training in 20th century art history and am very aware of what is happening in contemporary art and the market.

Fine Art Finals: What is your major? What was the deciding factor in choosing the school you are attending? Also, why did you choose the specific art program you chose at your school?

Travis Ivey: Fine art major. The University of Wyoming was my only choice because they awarded me with a scholarship and have an amazing undergraduate program. They teach art theory but also, push us to develop strong fundamentals and craftsmanship.

Fine Art Finals: What is your favorite medium(s) to work in and why?

Travis Ivey: Oil paint is my favorite medium because it reflects light so much better than acrylic and its easy to control.

Fine Art Finals: What is your philosophy and work ethic in creating your art?

Travis Ivey: My philosophy right now is to continue to observe light and color and to find solutions in representing those aspects of painting. Also, to never be completely satisfied with a painting, and to always consider myself as a student. I want to continue to grow and progress and not limit myself to specific subjects or genre.

Fine Art Finals: Who is your favorite artist(s) and why; what artist most influences your work and why?

Travis Ivey: I have a lot of favorite artists, especially graffiti artists. The extent to which certain graffiti writers have pushed the medium like KING 157 and MBER - both freight writers. Dutch realists and the Hudson River School artists (especially Frederic Church) are a huge influence on my current work. I love the contemporary landscape paintings by James Doolin, Woody Gwynn and Don Stinson, and also work by master wildlife painter Carl Rungius.

Fine Art Finals: Do you have any other interests beyond art; what are they and do these interests influence your art?

Travis Ivey: Long drives on Wyoming back roads and golf are my interests outside of art, and the long drives are really what inspires a lot of my work. Golf is just a great game and a great way to meet people.

Fine Art Finals: Is there a specific career path you wish to follow utilizing your artistic talents, and if so, what is your plan for utilizing your artistic skills in the future?

Travis Ivey: My plan is to work as a professional artist with gallery representation.

Fine Art Finals: How do (did) you support yourself financially while attending college? Have you received any other financial assistance (Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, etc) to pursue your education?

Travis Ivey: I supported myself in college by applying for federal Pell grants & scholarships, working at a coffee shop, and selling my paintings.

Fine Art Finals: How did you hear about Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions?

Travis Ivey: An email from my art department here at the University of Wyoming informed me of the Fine Art Finals competition.

Fine Art Finals: How has winning or placing in Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions helped you?

Travis Ivey: The monetary award given by Fine Art Finals helped me buy some gas this summer.

Fine Art Finals: What advice would you give other student artists?

Travis Ivey: Advice.... I tell other artists to do what they believe in and to listen to everyone's suggestions but only heed the ones that they believe will help them. Always be a student and always follow your heart.

Fine Art Finals: Thank you Travis. Congratulations again, and we wish you continued success!

Introducing Photography!

Due to the overwhelming response from college professors and students from our previous competitions, Fine Art Finals is proud to introduce Photography, both traditional and digital formats, into our 2008 Fine Art Finals Midwest Scholarship Competition. We look forward to this years photographic submissions into our competition, along with all other art media described on our Call for Entries.

2008 Midwest "CALL FOR ENTRIES"

Now accepting entries for the 2nd Annual Midwest Fine Art Finals Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition

Attention all Associate, Bachelor, and Masters Degree candidates with an interest in the visual arts, currently enrolled at a Midwest Regional public or private college or university. No matter what major, if you paint, illustrate, sculpt, design, draw, photograph, or just create art, you are eligible to enter the 2nd Annual Fine Art Finals Midwest Scholarship Competition.

Media accepted into Midwest Collegiate Regional Scholarship Competition include:

• Drawing - graphite, colored pencil, pen and ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.
• Painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, etc.
• Printmaking - etching, lithography, screen-printing, etc.
• Sculpture -clay, ceramic, plaster, marble, glass, wood, resin, metal, porcelain, etc
• Jewelry - gemstones, precious metals, or other materials, etc.
• Fibers - textiles, fabrics, yarn, natural and synthetic fibers, etc.
• Photography - traditional and digital.
• Digital Art - please see information page for details
• Graphic Design - traditional and digital, see information page for digital details
  

Scholarship Awards:
First Place: $1200
Second Place: $600
Third Place: $300
Two Honorable Mentions: $50

Download Collegiate Entry Form & Poster - here

Deadline:

Must be postmarked by
Friday, December 12, 2008

Notification of Finalists by E-mail: January 12, 2009
Notification of Winners by E-mail: January 23, 2009
Scholarships mailed to Winners: February 9, 2009

Midwest Region includes the following States:

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,
North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, & Wisconsin

To view previous Finalists and Winners, including those of the First Annual Midwest Collegiate Scholarship Competition of 2007, click here

Article on 2007 Midwest Finalist

While updating our website for the present Midwest Regional Collegiate Scholarship Competition, we came across this article on the web from the Salina Journal's Salina.com. This article recognizes Noah Flores of Bethany College in Kansas for being named one of our 17 Finalists for his 18"x44" Oil on Canvas painting "Burning Sunset" chosen in the First Annual Fine Art Finals Midwest Scholarship Competition in 2007.


Congratulations again to Noah, and to his continued success! You can read the entire article - here

Welcome to Fine Art Finals Blog

Thank you for visiting the Fine Art Finals Scholarship Competitions Blog. Check back for updates, news, artist interviews, and information on upcoming "Calls for Entries." You can view Finalist and Winning Artwork from previous competitions on our website.