4 Coventry Artists Score High at 4-H Photo, Fine Arts Exhibit

Student artists from across the state brought their paintings, drawings, mixed media items and photographs to the Warwick Mall for the 30th Annual State 4-H Photo & Fine Arts Show held March 17-19.

The event featured more than 200 pieces of art that were judged by local artists and photographers who also offered advice to the artists who learn artistic techniques in their 4-H clubs, school or on their own.

In the drawing category, Best of Show recognition went to Junior Genevieve Bradley of Coventry for her drawing “Koi Fish” and Intermediate Emily Walker of Middletown for her pencil drawing “My Family Portrait”. In the Senior Division, Coventry resident Kelly Bryant’s pencil drawing “Life’s Lace”, Jessica Elliot’s (West Kingston) graphite and colored pencil “Soldiers”, and Meghan Morrissey’s (Foster) pointillism pen drawing “Balloon Flower Evolution” all earned high praise from the judges. 

Photography is always a popular category. Photos are recognized in three divisions; color photography, black and white photography and Photoshop.

 Best of Show honors in the color photo division went to Juniors Rachel DelMastro of Coventry for “Princess Cookie”, an adorable photo of a guinea pig in her beautiful doll carriage and Xen Fay of North Scituate for “Jumping Off”, a photo of a dock on a pond. In the Intermediate division, Rachel Erkan’s (West Kingston) “Marran Chicken” and Molly Reeves’ (Manville) color photo of the Roger Williams statue earned Best of Show honors.  Anaja Polk’s (Bellingham, MA) black and white photo “Endless Winter” captured a winter scene of a path and trees draped in snow.  Jessilyn Ring of Coventry was recognized in the Photoshop category for “The Gift – Just for You” in the Senior division. 

Hannah and Melanie Nelson of West Warwick both earned recognition in the Mixed Media category. Hannah’s 3-piece copper sculpture of a piano, chair and book and Melanie’s copper sculpture of a guitar both caught the judge’s eye.

Best of Show recognition in the painting category went to Juniors Caleb Cranston (West Greenwich) for his acrylic painted floor mat of a sheep, “Cuddleigh Pie” and Nicole Needham of Cranston for her acrylic painting on canvas of a tree in spring.

Three artists in the Intermediate category took home Best of Show awards. Tania Kent’s (Jamestown) acrylic painting “In Memory of Rooster” celebrated the life of her pot bellied pig, Rooster. Nathaniel Manock’s (North Kingstown) “A Cove Scene” of a boat and lighthouse in acrylics and Colleen McKenna’s (Exeter) “Crater Lake” in acrylics also received recognition. Senior Jessica Elliot (West Kingston) who received recognition for her pencil drawing “Soldiers” also earned Best of Show honors from the judges for her acrylic painting “Hydrangea Flowers”. 

Artwork was on display throughout the weekend and the public was invited to cast their vote for their favorite piece of art from our judge’s favorites.  After tallying 454 votes, Kelly Bryant was awarded the “People’s Choice Award” for her pencil drawing “Life’s Lace”. 

 The RI 4-H Foundation gave special recognition to several pieces of art. The Special Foundation awards were selected for their appeal to 4-H donors. Paintings “Hydrangea Flowers” by Jessica Elliot (West Kingston), “Crater Lake” by Colleen McKenna (Exeter), “Tree in the spring” by Nicole Needham, Coventry resident Katelin Kuyoth’s color photo “Chicken”  and Meghan Morrissey’s (Foster) pen drawing "Balloon Flower Evolution" were selected for this award. 

The youth artists have the opportunity to have the artwork reproduced as prints to be given as gifts to donors. The artist's name and 4-H club will be clearly shown on each print. The mission of the RI 4-H Club Foundation, Inc. is to support the youth programs of the URI/College of the Environment and Life Sciences. The 4-H Foundation funds 4-H programs, provides scholarships, awards, recognition and travel opportunities. 

To become a 4-H Volunteer or for information on the 4-H program, call the URI 4-H Office at 401-874-2959 or email kstone@uri.edu.