$2,400 In Prizes Awarded To Local Students In New Hope Art Contest

NEW HOPE, PA — In the 9th Annual Phillips' Mill Youth Art Exhibition, 150 artworks by young people in the community are on display and students were awarded $2,400 in prizes.

Award-winning Lambertville filmmaker and painter Bill Jersey judged the contest across four categories: painting, works on paper, digital art & photography, and three-dimensional works.

A George School senior, Annika Crawford, took the award of "best in show" for her oil painting, entitled "Alton." Jersey said it was "hard to believe a student has done this piece."

He was deeply impressed by the caliber of the students' work overall.

"All the entrants deserve praise," Jersey said, "and all the art teachers who have taught these kids should get applause."

The youth art exhibition is the only one of its size and judging capabilities locally, according to a news release. No entry fees are charged.

“The program was launched in 2014 to support the artistic community of the future, and to offer aspiring artists in our region the chance to gain exposure and experience exhibiting with a prestigious arts organization,” said Kathy Schroeher, the exhibition's co-chair.

Normally, the show is open to the public in the historic Phillips' Mill on River Road and works are offered for sale. The show is online only this year due to COVID-19, so no sales will be possible; but you can see all the artworks from right where you sit by viewing the show online through Feb. 27.

The prizes awarded to the young artists were entirely funded by sponsors and Phillips' Mill community members. A $250 award was given to Crawford, while first place winners received $200, second place winners received $150, third place winners received $100, and honorable mention honorees received $50.

The following students were awarded prizes:

Painting

• First Place: Madison Talbert, "Luck In Boldness," Ewing High School
• Second Place: Dominic Rivera, "Before the Storm," Holy Ghost Prep
• Third Place: Gabriel Kortepeter, "Mountain Sunset," Ewing High School

Works on Paper

• First Place: Caroline Colman, "Repetitive Mornings," Central Bucks High School West
• Second Place: Madeline Malitas, "Self Portrait," Upper Dublin High School
• Third Place: Chloe Boocock, "Killing Invasives," The Pennington School
• Honorable Mention: Olivia Phelan, "Kurtis Conner" Neshaminy High School
• Honorable Mention: Camryn McDermid, "Flower Boots" Hillsborough High School
• Honorable Mention: Peyton Scratchard, "The Dance" Pennsbury High School

Digital Art & Photography

• First Place: Dongfang Qu, "Lost in Paradise," Princeton Day School
• Second Place: Katie Rose Hendry, "Interdependence," George School
• Third Place: Tyler Davy, "Bandito," Central Bucks High School South
• Honorable Mention: Tyler Dinn, "Jump," Central Bucks High School East
• Honorable Mention: Gabrielle Long, "Phantom Portrait with Flower," Central Bucks High School South
• Honorable Mention: Rynn Spring, "Portrait," Central Bucks High School South
• Honorable Mention: Backpack Filiatrault, "Dice/Motion," Central Bucks High School West

Three-Dimensional Works

• First Place: Anna Williamson, "Nest," Council Rock High School North
• Second Place: Alexis Filippov, "Lemons in Decay," Council Rock High School South
• Third Place: Ethan Weggel, "Ceramic Coil Vessel," Upper Dublin High School

Students from 23 area schools had their work featured in this year's show.

See the 9th Annual Youth Art Exhibition's juried gallery show here.

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