By
Vanessa Francis
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Artists Helping Artists Award a result of bake sale proceeds
In the professional art world, artists are expected to write for grants and ask for money.
However, artists-in-training may not realize this just yet, said UA art professor Barbara Rogers.
"And I really don't think (art) students understand that until they have to raise money themselves and give it away," she said.
This is the basis of the AHAA (Artists Helping Artists Award), which students in Roger's Art 496 course, Career Development for Visual Artists, created two years ago.
The emphasis of the class is on students gaining professional experience in the art world through showcasing their work at galleries. The class takes more of a business approach to the art industry, rather than a creative one.
"It's really a good motivation to learn what work will be like," said studio art senior and current Art 496 student Christina Casey. "Because as an artist, you'll be showing your work a lot."
Members of the 15-student class have raised about $1,000 for the award. The students held two bake sales last month, and each chipped in $20 of his or her own money.
"That is how we got this kitty started," said Rogers.
College of Fine Arts dean Maurice Sevigny will also contribute, Rogers said.
"The dean has been so encouraging about this project. He really loves to see students start things they believe in, and we are so happy to see him helping out," said Rogers. "Plus, he really liked to see the students earning the money on their own."
The class decided this year to give two awards - an undergraduate and graduate honor - as opposed to the one non-specific award given last year.
Last year's winner was then-senior Geneva Foster, who molded a metal sculpture from fire.
"That will be a hard act to follow," said Rogers.
Submissions are due in slide form, with a statement from the artist giving reasons he or she should be chosen, along with an explanation of the piece.
Five primary judges have been chosen, Casey said, and the top 15 pieces will be officially judged. All pieces will be judged anonymously, with the artist's name not revealed.
Applications and slides are due Tuesday, Nov. 14 and the two winners will be announced Nov. 28. Work should be submitted to room 108 of the Art building.
