Two student artists in the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts have won the Dean of the Libraries Award from the Art in the Libraries Committee. Matthew Gillette won for his sculpture “Slumped,” and Floyd-Wheat Robinson for his sculpture “Tap Water.

The honors were announced at the WVU School of Art & Design’s fourth annual Juried Student Exhibition, which featured student work in a variety of mediums including ceramics, photography, sculpture, printmaking, graphic design, painting, drawing, video and animation.

“We are thrilled to be able support student artists and display their work,” said Alyssa Wright, Chair of the Art in the Libraries Committee. “This is the first of what will be annual award and an ongoing partnership between the School of Art and Design and the Libraries.”

Dean of the Libraries Jon Cawthorne created the award as part of the new Art in the Libraries program, which seeks to bring art and conversation about social and cultural issues into library spaces. The Libraries awarded each artist a $300 prize and will display their works from Jan. 19-April 29.

Gillette incorporated metal and concrete into the design of “Slumped,” which will be on display at the Downtown Campus Library.

The senior sculpture major is excited about earning exposure and adding the accolade to his portfolio. He considers the honor especially meaningful because it came at his first juried show. He compared winning the award to selling a work.

“People appreciating and enjoying something that I created makes me feel happy,” Gillette said. “It’s awesome.”

Robinson’s creation, “Tap Water,” is a ceramic fire hydrant adorned with a blue and white pattern reminiscent of a traditional china design and a faucet.

The senior ceramics major is pleased that his work will be on display at the Evansdale Library.

“This award opens it up for students to see our work on campus,” Robinson said. “I hope our works help to lighten the mood in the libraries and keep the atmosphere positive.”

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CONTACT: Monte Maxwell, communications coordinator, WVU Libraries
304-293-0306, monte.maxwell@mail.wvu.edu

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