THIRTY-FIVE TALENTED STATE EMPLOYEES AND
THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HONORED
Delaware Division of the Arts announces award-winning artists in its annual
Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition reception & award ceremony

Wilmington, Del. (March 19, 2018) – The talented state employees and their family members were recognized for their art work exhibited at the seventh annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition sponsored by the National Arts Program^® reception and award ceremony held on Sunday, March 18. Featured guests and speakers included the First Lady, Tracey Quillen Carney, the Honorable Secretary of State, Jeffrey W. Bullock and Delaware Division of the Arts Deputy Director, Kristin Pleasanton.

“I look forward to this art exhibition every year and I’m proud to be able to support and recognize the artistic accomplishments of state employees and their families,” said Secretary of State, Jeffrey W. Bullock. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to see these employees and their family members participate in a statewide exhibition, to showcase art work that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”

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 of Show Award, Two People’s Choice Awards (calculated by most number of “likes” on Facebook and entries by email and in-person ballot votes at the Gallery), Art Education Award (up to $200 reimbursement for arts instruction and materials), and four Special Award categories. Award winning images and photos from the reception can be found on Flickr.

Below is a list of all award winners who were recognized at the 2018 reception and awards ceremony.

2018 National Arts Program Award Winners

Best of Show: Jessika King, Greenwood

People’s Choice Award (Facebook): Brynn Bowen, age 12, Dover

People’s Choice Award (Ballot): Ayla Knight, Bear

Art Education Award: Luana Spalluto, age 17, Dover

Special Awards:

Special Award, Portrait: Ayla Knight, Bear

Special Award, Mixed Media: Keith Mosher, Lincoln

Special Award, Animals: Suzanne Oliver, Wilmington

Special Award, Abstract: Tracy Channel, New Castle

Professional:

1st Place: Cindy Morris, Hockessin

2nd Place: SoYoung Park-Bovee, Newark

3rd Place: John Waters, Camden

Honorable Mentions:

Lindsey Mical, Middletown

Colleen Zufelt, Wilmington

Intermediate:

1^st Place: Megan Thomas, Dover

2^nd Place: Leslie Snowdon-Jones, Lewes

3^rd Place: Luis Rios Fontanez, Dover

Honorable Mentions:

Cynthia Scherry, Dover

Thomas Gears, Wilmington

Amateur:                   

1^st Place: Mark Huling, Lewes

2^nd Place: Grover Langshaw, Clayton

3^rd Place: Briana Rodriguez, Bear

Honorable Mentions:

Pao Lin, Dover

Lina Romano’Swincki, Wilmington

Teen (13-18 years old):

1^st Place: Cassie Paterson, age 18, Middletown

2^nd Place: Leilani Anupol, age 13, Milford

3^rd Place: Raina Semenick, age 16, Smyrna

Honorable Mentions:

Brandi Nichols, age 17, Magnolia

Sara Paulish, age 15, Dover

Haley Musemici, age 16, Magnolia

Youth (12 years and under):

1^st Place: Harshana Sundaravelu, age 11, Middletown

2^nd Place: Samantha Guinals, age 11, Townsend

3^rd Place: Brynn Bowen, age 12, Dover

Honorable Mentions:

Natalia Gatti, age 7, Wyoming

Elizabeth Dierkes, age 8, Clayton

Piper Drace, age 11, Seaford

Walter Thompson, age 12, Elsmere

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

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Banner image: Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition

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