Burrage wins top award in MCC’s Fine Arts Student Competition
MCC Graphic Design Program student Syi Burrage with his best-of-show painting, “Closer.”
Meridian Community College student Syi Burrage won the top MCC Fine Arts Student Competition award for his multi-colored painting, "Closer."
Burrage, a Graphic Design sophomore, was one of 11 students whose works earned an award in this show that will be exhibited through May 7 in the Casteel Gallery in the Davidson Fine Arts Center in Ivy-Scaggs Hall.
Burrage received the John Michael Rushing Best of Show Award for his efforts, and as a purchase award, he garnered a $200 honorarium. The work has become a part of the College's permanent art collection.
The MCC Foundation underwrites the cash awards; first-place winners receive $100; second place, $75; third place, $50; and honorable mention, $25.
Noting this was the first work he had earned a prize for, Burrage was excited about getting the art competition's top honors. He explained the work came from a dream. "But it has a valuable lesson: Make the most out of life while you still can," he said.
Burrage will graduate in May and plans to continue his art studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. "I'd like to encourage others to express their creativity."
"Love your craft and continue to improve" is the advice he offers others.
Award-winning mixed artist Gail Morton, an instructor at Blue Mountain Christian University and a Mississippi Arts Commission artist, served as the juror for this year's event.
Additional winners in the show included:
Design: Noah Gardner, "Lemons in a Vase," first; Malia Greer, "A Bowl of Lemons," second; Greer, "Complimentary Stillness," third; and Jasmine Dees, "Good and Tired," honorable mention.
Drawing: Greer, "Trial and Error," first; Garner, "Rosacea," second; Greer, "Fallen from Grace," third; and Christopher Williams, "Caveman that Slay," honorable mention.
Graphic Design: Jasmine Dees, "Waste," first; Atrelle Grozen, "Concert Poster," second; Ean Fisher, "Machina," third; and Angel Plott, "A Rabbit's Wish," honorable mention.
Painting: Ezria Robinson, "Floral Fro," first; Robinson, "Jacob Lawrence," second; Plott, "Cats Can't Juggle," third; and Erian Moody, "Unholy Painting," honorable mention.
The show is located in the Casteel Art Gallery on the MCC campus, and admission to the gallery is free. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment on Friday.
For more information about the Casteel Art Gallery, visit meridiancc.edu/artgallery.