Seven graduating seniors from Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Art and Design have been named as finalists for the university’s top art honor, the Rickert-Ziebold Trust Award. The announcement was made on March 5, with the competition culminating in an exhibition from April 13 through April 18 at the SIU Surplus Gallery in Carbondale. The winner will be revealed at a ceremony on April 13.
The Rickert-Ziebold Trust Award is considered the most prestigious art prize at SIU, offering a substantial scholarship to its recipient. Each year, seniors from various disciplines within the School of Art and Design compete by showcasing their creative achievements and knowledge gained during their studies. Faculty members judge the presentations based on performance and excellence in creative achievement.
This year’s finalists represent a range of artistic fields: Zach Abella (glass), Lydia Dowell (industrial design), Naomi Fader (art education), Kassidee Gabby (communication design), Kennadee Gabby (art education), Autumn Meyer (painting), and Olive Vowell (ceramics). The exhibition will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13-17 and from 10 a.m. to noon on April 18 at the Surplus Gallery, located in the Studio Arts Building.
The award was established by the Rickert family in memory of Joseph Rickert, an attorney and former state senator from Waterloo, with the goal of promoting excellence in visual arts among young artists. According to organizers, past recipients have embodied “the ideals and aspirations of the award benefactors.” Because of what they describe as the Rickert family’s “vision, love of art, and confidence in the future,” annual cash awards continue to support emerging artists at SIU.
A reception for this year’s event is scheduled for April 17 from 6 to 8 p.m., with an awards presentation at 7 p.m., also at Surplus Gallery. Reporters and photographers are invited to cover both events.
