Eligible entries are limited to two-dimensional works in oil, acrylic or mixed media on canvas; original framed photographs; or wall hangings, all properly prepared for installation in a public place. The art may depict people, places, nature, objects or other suitable subjects. Due to space limitations the size of the artwork should be approximately 20 by 24 inches or less.
The submitted artwork will be blind judged by a panel including Latino and Latina students and Communication faculty. The winning artist will receive a $500 prize and the art will become the property of the Department of Communication for permanent display in Telonicher House and use in promotional material such as brochures and web sites. If the panel of judges determines that there are no suitable entries then no prize will be awarded and the contest will be repeated in the future.
This contest follows the first art contest, which was intended to find art that would be welcoming to Native American students. Andrea Castillo’s work titled “Spirit of the Salmon” won that contest and is hung in Telonicher House. Castillo said, “My vision of the acrylic piece ‘Spirit of the Salmon’ is based on my experience at Humboldt State’s Native American Art of the North Coast seminar. I chose salmon as a subject matter to focus on fertility, bounty, and good health of the local native tribes. I explored the use of symbols and soothing colors to communicate the sensations I received during the experience and how I relate it to my own personal life.”
Jay VerLinden, Chair of the Department of Communication, said the faculty of the department was very pleased with the results last year and are looking forward to seeing the entries for this year’s contest. He said Castillo’s art not only adds to the aesthetics of the space where it is located but also helps show that students from all backgrounds are valued.
Entries for the art contest must be turned in to the Department of Communication Academic Support Coordinator in Brett Harte House by the March 21 deadline. All submissions except the winning work will be returned to the artists. Questions about the contest may be directed to VerLinden at jgv1@humboldt.edu.