A Look Back: Artist of the Year

Artist of the Year

The Artist of the Year program began in the 2013-2014 school year. All Featuring Artist winners are in the running for this award. Artist of the Year nominees submit 5 artworks of their choosing to be displayed for 2 judges to critique per written rubric. Artist of the Year receives a cash prize, as well as having a piece of their artwork purchased by the PBL Education Foundation to be displayed as a permanent feature of the district.

Artist of the Year Sponsors include: PBL Education Foundation, Paxton Casey's,
Paxton Diary Queen, First National Bank, and Paxton IGA.

2018 Artist of the Year: Adeliade Penzo

2017 Artist of the Year: Payton Newman

Payton is planning to work for a year and then relocate south to attend college and become a tattoo artist!

2016 Artist of the Year: Nora Snyder

The artwork above, created with watercolor and ink pen, received Honorable Mention, at The Eric Show among over 200 artworks on display and 18 local high schools presented.

Nora is planning to attend Parkland College in the fall of 2016. She will be studying nursing with the desire to become a traveling nurse.

2015 Artist of the Year: Emily Goetting

The artwork above, a realistic color pencil drawing,
received Best in Show at The Eric Show,
a competitive local area high school art show, in 2015.

Emily is currently attending Parkland College in Champaign, IL.
To keep up to date on her artwork endeavors check out her blog.

2014 Artist of the Year: Brittany Heyen

Congratulations to 2014 Alumni, Brittany Heyen, for receiving Best In Show for her metal, interactive sculpture at the
State Town and Country Art Show!

To see what Brittany has been up to at the UOI,
check out her website here.

Brittany is currently attending UOI
double majoring in Graphic Design and Photography.