Delaware State Employees and their Family Members Honored at the National Arts Program Reception & Award Ceremony

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Thirty-four talented state employees and their family members were recognized for their art work exhibited at the sixth annual National Arts Program®: Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition reception and awards ceremony held on Saturday, March 4. Featured speakers included the Honorable Secretary of State, Jeffrey W. Bullock and Delaware Division of the Arts Director, Paul Weagraff.

“It’s always refreshing to see our state employees in a new light, putting their talents on display and showing us a side of themselves that we don’t normally see in the workplace,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey W. Bullock. “I look forward to this art exhibition every year and I’m proud to be able to support and recognize the artistic accomplishments of these employees and their families.”

Twenty-eight awards were given out in five categories–Professional, Intermediate, Amateur, Teen (13-18 years old), and Youth (12 years and under). Other distinguished awards included the: Best in Show Award, People’s Choice Award (calculated by most number of “likes” on Facebook), Art Education Award (up to $200 reimbursement for arts instruction and materials), and four new Special Award categories.

Sixteen cash prizes totaling $3,250, 13 Honorable Mention ribbons, and four Special Award ribbons were awarded. Below is a list of all award winners who were recognized at the 2017 reception and awards ceremony.

Images of the artwork and reception & awards ceremony can be found on Flickr. The exhibition is open at the Delaware State University Art Center/Gallery until March 13.

2017 National Arts Program Award Winners

Best of Show: Shari Dierkes, Clayton
People’s Choice Award: Harshana Sundaravelu, Middletown
Art Education Award: Harshana Sundaravelu, Middletown

Professional:

  • 1st Place: Gregory Thompson, Wilmington
  • 2nd Place: Derek Carlson, Dover
  • 3rd Place: Alexandra Thomas, Bear
  • Honorable Mentions:
    • Chris Green, Altus, OK
    • Carolyn Zwaskis, Wilmington

Intermediate:

  • 1st Place: Willow Quillen, Wilmington
  • 2nd Place: Matthew Mathias, Newark
  • 3rd Place: Thomas Gears, Wilmington
  • Honorable Mentions:
    • Dorothy May, Wilmington
    • Kristin McKenica, Wilmington

Amateur:

  • 1st Place: Lina Romano, Wilmington
  • 2nd Place: Lianmarie Colon, New Castle
  • 3rd Place: Nancy Cooper, Newark
  • Honorable Mentions:
    • Shelly Alioa, Dover
    • Christopher Deming, Milton

Teen (13-18 years old):

  • 1st Place: Emily Torres, age 15, Middletown
  • 2nd Place: Robin Land, age 14, Newark
  • 3rd Place: Abigail Bucklin, age 15, Rehoboth Beach
  • Honorable Mentions:
    • Tatiana Gault, age 17, Georgetown
    • James Stokes, age 15, Newark

Youth (12 years and under):

  • 1st Place: Kieran Dallas, age 7, Newark
  • 2nd Place: Lenore Duprey, age 5, Wilmington
  • 3rd Place: Montana Johannsen, age 9, Clayton
  • Honorable Mentions:
    • Beth Chen, age 12, Middletown
    • Terri Crawford, age 12, Dover
    • Kimberly Czepukaitis, age 12, Dover
    • Piper Drace, age 10, Seaford
    • Mia Ericksen, age 8, Smyrna

Special Awards

  • Landscape: Barry Eli, Lewes
  • Abstract: Amber Scott, Wyoming
  • Land Animal: John Waters, Camden
  • Sea Creature: Miles Pleasanton, Camden

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Contact: Leeann Wallett, Program Officer, Communications and Marketing, 302-577-8280, leeann.wallett@delaware.gov