2024 Art Contest Winners
1st Place (Traditional) - Cheston Youngberg
“Crepitate"
This small exquisite bottleneck vase, titled"Crepitate," was meticulously hand-thrown on the potter's wheel and finished using the traditional Japanese Raku firing technique, renowned for its unpredictability and distinctive aesthetic outcomes. The term "Crepitate," meaning “a crackling sound,” aptly captures the essence of this piece, as evidenced by the striking crackling effect of the glaze. A mesmerizing blue-green iridescence gracefully adorns the shoulder of the vase, enhancing its visual depth and creating a captivating interplay of light and texture.
2nd Place (Traditional) - Abby Palmer
“Rising Together"
Through the power of teamwork, we can rise above and overcome the mountains in our lives and rise above!
1st Place (Digital) - Sadie Nethercrott
"Light of Life"
This art piece represents the powerful moment of lifting another close to Christ. The phoenix-like figure is leading the way for the lower blue figure and raising out of its world, becoming the dominant source of light for the piece. As this is a digital artwork, both sides can be perfectly symmetrical, like how God's plan is perfectly designed for us. I used warm and cool colors to help convey light and darkness, and to highlight the difference between the two figures.
2nd Place (Digital) - Xochitlh Cabrera Dominguez
"Rising Together"
I am an international student, so the fact of coming here, by myself, was and sometimes it is, a scary experience. Still, once I begun to see how the dynamic at BYUI is, it was easy for me to not feel alone. I had classmates that would rise me up with funny stories or helping me out in a class I was having a hard time to understand. My professors were and are always there to reach my full potential on my classes. My church leaders were always looking for me to have the best spiritual experience possible. I was able to get friend that would rise me up with encouragement and willingness, to a point that they would feel as a family. That is what I wanted to portray on this piece. BYUI gives the opportunity to rise in many ways in life. We just have to be willing to do it, and rise others in the same way.
3rd Place (Digital) - Addison Dorning
"Together We Rise to Greater Heights"
Fueled by the fire that is the light of Christ, these two hot air balloons rise together to greater heights. The light of Christ is so important in each of our lives and can help us to lift others from where they are. The sunrise reminds me that there is always hope. As we rise together, we can see more of that light.
Art Contest Guidelines
This Spirit Week's Art Contest consisted of two categories: Digital and Traditional. The Digital category was for graphic design submissions, and the Traditional category was for drawing/painting/sculpted art pieces.
Students were only allowed to submit 1 entry in the entire Art Contest. Prizes for each category go as follows:
- 1st Place - $75
- 2nd Place - $50
- 3rd Place - $25
The deadline to submit entries was September 30th.
Art Contest Prompt
This year’s Spirit Week theme “Together We Rise” highlights the unique Spirit found at BYU-Idaho. Former President Steven D. Bennion described Ricks College, now BYU-Idaho, as “a unique school where a spirit of teamwork and cooperation is a hallmark.” At BYU-Idaho, it is easy to recognize the spirit of friendliness, caring, and unity as we strive daily to be like Christ as we love, lift, serve, strengthen, and forgive one another. As we come together as students, employees, alumni, and friends of the university, we can follow in His steps, be His hands, and help His institution fulfill its inspired mission and purpose. Together We Rise!
Below are some questions that may help you with your submission. Ponder how your artwork can visually portray your thoughts to the following questions.
- How will you artistically express your commitment to lift, inspire, and serve others?
- How have you been impacted by others’ efforts to lift, serve, strengthen, and forgive or vice versa?
- How have you seen how we are helping each other “RISE” at BYU-Idaho!
- How are you and BYU-Idaho “Rising” in terms of quality education, student experience, career preparation, leadership experiences, etc.?
Submission Example
Grading Rubric
| Element |
4 Excellent |
3 Good |
2 Fair |
1 Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theme | Artwork thoroughly develops the theme and stays true to the purpose. | Artwork mostly develops the theme. Stays true to the purpose. | Artwork deviates slightly from the theme. Strays from purpose. | Artwork does not develop the theme. Purpose is not present. |
| Originality | Artwork demonstrates unique perspective and shows creativity. | Artwork demonstrates unique perspective and shows some creativity. | Artwork does not display unique perspective but offers some creativity. | Artwork does not display unique perspective and offers no creativity. |
| Artistry | Artwork demonstrates high level of craftsmanship, with high attention to quality of work. | Artwork demonstrates high level of craftsmanship, with some attention to quality of work. | Artwork demonstrates average level of craftsmanship, with little attention to quality of work. | Artwork demonstrates no level of craftsmanship, with no attention to quality of work. |
| Spirit | Artwork shows a deep love for and connection to the University. | Artwork shows a connection to the University but lacks strong base. | Artwork displays some effort made to show connection to the University. | Artwork shows lack of connection to the University. |
2023 Art Contest Winners
1st Place - Xochitlh N. Cabrera
Faro de Amistad
In certain circumstances, individuals may find it necessary to seek guidance from someone who can illuminate the way through challenging circumstances, effectively leading them out of darkness. Alternatively, one may choose to assume the role of a guiding influence for others in similar situations. This choice fundamentally hinges upon a deliberate decision-making process.
2nd Place - Aleena Sedrick
“He Has Come”
While in the missionary training center, I had a class where we discussed what it would be like if the Savior were to come to us. As we were pondering, this image popped into my mind. Depicted here is a dark wasteland, representative of where we may find ourselves at times. Three objects varying in brightness as to represent the three kingdoms, illuminate the world. Jesus Christ, naturally being the focal point, is shown with His arms outstretched, offering Himself to all that would have Him as a beacon in an ever-darkening world.
3rd Place - Isabelle Sedrick
Quiet Expression
This is a painting that conveys the quiet inner self sharing its radiant light. This beacon of inner self isn’t always very bright, but it will always be there. This piece is a reminder to me to let my light shine.
Honorable Mention - Salma Garcia
Rise Your Light
I wanted to represent where our attention should be directed and that by raising our lights, other people can see them, and at some point, they will raise theirs too.